Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trace metal, acute phase and metabolic response to endotoxin in metallothionein-null mice.

Accumulation of hepatic zinc via metallothionein (MT) induction during infection/inflammation is postulated to benefit a range of metabolic processes. The metabolic consequences of two doses of endotoxin (LPS) (1 and 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) were examined in normal (MT+/+) and MT-null (MT-/-) mice (all results means =/- S.E.M., n=6). At 16 h after 1 mg/kg LPS, hypozincaemia was pronounced in the MT+/+ mice (4.4+/-0.2 microM), concomitant with a 36% increase in hepatic Zn and a > 10-fold increase in hepatic MT. Plasma Zn (16.6+/-0.7 microM) and total hepatic Zn were unchanged in MT -/- mice, confirming the importance of MT in altering plasma and hepatic Zn during inflammation. Plasma iron was lower in LPS-treated MT-/- mice, whereas plasma copper increased to a similar extent in both groups of mice. Plasma fibrinogen more than doubled, and was similar in both groups of mice, which questions the importance of MT in acute-phase protein synthesis. Blood and liver glucose concentrations were not significantly different between groups before or after LPS, whereas blood and liver lactate concentrations were significantly lower (31% and 24% respectively) in MT-/- mice after LPS. At 16 h after 5 mg/kg LPS, plasma Zn was decreased even further in MT+/+ mice (2.6+/-0.3 microM), but remained unchanged in MT-/- mice at concentrations significantly above those in 16-h fasted MT-/- mice (15.8+/-0.5 versus 11.3+/-0.3 microM). Total liver Zn was 17% lower than fasting values in MT-/- mice, in contrast with 32% higher in MT+/+ mice. Synthesis of MT (in MT+/+ mice) and fibrinogen in all mice was not further enhanced by the higher LPS dose. Blood glucose was significantly decreased by 18% in MT+/+ mice and by 38% in MT-/- mice after 5 mg/kg LPS. There was a marked 44% decrease in liver glucose in MT-/- mice; that in MT+/+ mice was unchanged from fasting levels, implying a deficit in hepatic gluconeogenesis in LPS-treated MT-/- mice. In the absence of any indication of major hepatotoxicity, the results of this study indicate that energy production, and not acute-phase protein synthesis, may be most influenced by Zn supply during endotoxaemia, suggesting that MT has a role in maintaining hepatic and blood glucose in this metabolic setting.
Estimation in a class of simultaneous equation limited dependent variable models

Estimation in a class of simultaneous equation limited dependent variable models is considered. The minimum Chi-squared method is used to compare the asymptotic relative efficiency of marginal and new conditional maximum likelihood estimators for this class of models. Efficient minimum Chi-squared estimation procedures are described. A two-step algorithm based on a conditional maximum likelihood estimator provides a natural framework for both computing a linearized and locating the joint maximum likelihood estimator. The unimodality of the simultaneous equation tobit likelihood function is proved and this model is used to illustrate the empirical application of some of the estimators considered in the paper. The relative efficiency of these estimators in the simultaneous equation tobit model is examined in a set of Monte-Carlo experiments.
Simulation of a Transonic Wing Flutter using an Efficient High Resolution Upwind Scheme

The flutter boundary of the 3D AGARD 445.6 Wing is calculated by using an efficient upwind scheme, Zha CUSP2, in moving grid system. The 3D Reynolds average Navier-Stokes equations are solved. Closure of the Reynolds stresses is provided by the Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model. The modal approach solver is used to calculate the structural response under aerodynamic forces with second-order accuracy. The CFD and structural solvers are fully coupled implicitly via successive iterations within each physical time step. The numerical results show that this method is capable of capturing the aeroelastic properties of the flexible wing efficiently. The computed flutter boundary of AGARD Wing 445.6 for free stream Mach numbers ranging from 0.499 to 1.141 agrees well with the experiment.
Perceived Racial Discrimination in the Workplace and Body Weight among the Unemployed

ABSTRACT This study investigates the association between body weight and the likelihood that people perceive that they have been the victims of racial discrimination in the workplace among the unemployed. I find that unemployed obese men and women are 8.4 percentage points and 7.7 percentage points, respectively, more likely to have experienced racial discrimination before becoming unemployed than their non-obese counterparts. For unemployed men, the relationship between body weight and perceived racial discrimination does not seem to be associated with race. For unemployed women, being black and obese significantly increases the likelihood of perceiving racial discrimination.
Shifting Epistemologies: Examining Student Understanding of New Models of Knowledge and Learning

New models of teaching and learning designed to address the demands of 21st century education require shifts in classroom norms and practices. This paper examines a group of students and teachers who implemented the Knowledge Forum model (Scardamalia, 2004) over the course of two years. Interviews with the students are used to assess three epistemological changes identified as critical in the Knowledge Forum model: a shift from teacher-directed activities to student epistemic agency, a shift from right and wrong answers to the notion of improvable ideas, and a shift from individual to community knowledge and collective responsibility. There are indications that shifts are indeed taking place in students' views toward their own agency in the learning process, the dynamic nature of knowledge, and the importance of community. The work also identifies challenges faced by teachers in implementing new models of learning that can inform teacher pedagogy.
Impaired intervertebral disc formation in the absence of Jun

Jun is a major component of the heterodimeric transcription factor AP-1 and is essential for embryonic development, as foetuses that lack Jun die at mid-gestation. Ubiquitous mosaic inactivation of a conditional Jun allele by cre/LoxP-mediated recombination was used to screen for novel functions of Jun and revealed that its absence results in severe malformations of the axial skeleton. More-specific Jun deletion by collagen2a1-cre demonstrated the essential function of Jun in the notochord and sclerotome. Mutant notochordal cells showed increased apoptosis, resulting in hypocellularity of the intervertebral discs. Subsequently, fusion of vertebral bodies caused a scoliosis of the axial skeleton. Thus, Jun is required for axial skeletogenesis by regulating notochord survival and intervertebral disc formation.
The Third Limfjord Crossing: A Case of Pessimism Bias and Knowledge Filtering

Abstract Using the Environmental Impact Assesment (EIA) of the proposed Third Limfjord Crossing in Aalborg, Denmark, as an example, this paper discusses how pessimism bias against the no‐build alternative acted as an instrument to persuade decision‐makers into adopting a proposed road scheme. Assuming that traffic growth would be the same whether or not a new motorway was constructed, the planners in the Limfjord case concluded that intolerable congestion would arise in the absence of increased road capacity. The paper discusses how such bias was created through the assumptions of the Limfjord case traffic model, and gives an outline of the planning and decision‐making process in which the model was used. The latter includes a formal complaint opposing the motorway project and the responses to this complaint. The paper concludes that a process of knowledge filtering has taken place, where state‐of‐the‐art knowledge about induced and generated travel ended up being dismissed in the political and legal decision‐making system.
Dealing with Dutch disease

This note looks at so-called Dutch disease, a phenomenon reflecting changes in the structure of production in the wake of a favorable shock (such as a large natural resource discovery, a rise in the international price of an exportable commodity, or the presence of sustained aid or capital inflows). Where the natural resources discovered are oil or minerals, a contraction or stagnation of manufacturing and agriculture could accompany the positive effects of the shock, according to the theory. The note considers channels through which such natural resource wealth can affect the economy. It also focuses on the development implications of Dutch disease, particularly the potential negative effects related to productivity dynamics and volatility; and concludes with a summary of possible policy responses, including the mix of fiscal, exchange rate, and structural reform policies.
Beyond the global production networks: a case of further upgrading of Taiwan's information technology industry

In the current literature on globalisation and economic development, the global production networks and global commodity/value chains perspectives highlight the importance of transnational organisational linkages as the conduit of technology transfer and knowledge diffusion, enabling manufacturers in the less developed economies to catch up by learning from lead firms in more developed countries. The institutional perspective, however, ascribes great importance to the role of public and semi-government institutions in facilitating active technology leveraging and knowledge diffusion. This paper uses the development of the information technology (IT) industry in Taiwan as a case to examine the two perspectives discussed. Global production networks were found to have played a pivotal role in the initial stage of the development of the IT industry in Taiwan. With the changing structure of the IT industry and emerging threat from low-cost competitors, the roles of the state and institutions were found to be increasingly important in overcoming barriers against the further upgrading of the industry concerned. It was concluded that the organisational and institutional approaches to globalisation and economic development are complementary to, rather than competing with, one another.
Differences in tobacco assessment and intervention practices: a regional snapshot.

BACKGROUND This research describes tobacco attitudes and practices of health care providers in the Upper Midwest. A baseline measure of preventive practices by providers was needed to plan effective tobacco intervention education programs. METHODS Health care providers in a 16-county region received a mailed survey regarding tobacco assessment practices, intervention practices, attitudes, skills/knowledge, barriers, and desire for tobacco education. The survey was sent to all chiropractors, dentists, nurse practitioners/physician assistants, physicians (primary care and specialist), and public health nurses in the region. A total of 51.9% (n = 614) of all providers returned usable surveys. RESULTS Significant differences were found between provider groups on all measured concepts. Primary care physicians, nurse practitioners/physician assistants, and public health nurses were more likely than specialist physicians, dentists, and chiropractors to assess, intervene, be supportive of tobacco cessation, have skills/knowledge about cessation, perceive fewer barriers, and want further education. CONCLUSIONS In this region, provider groups differed in tobacco use assessment and treatment. All provider groups desired education regarding tobacco intervention. Region-wide tobacco cessation educational initiatives need to take into account differences between provider groups.
Corporate real estate management in Singapore: A business management perspective

Corporate real estate management (CREM) practices in Asia have been a relatively under‐researched area compared with those from Europe and North America. This paper represents an attempt to enhance the current knowledge of CREM in Asia. Part I of this study provides a snapshot of CREM practices among Singapore multi‐national companies (MNCs) and listed firms. Ninety‐seven firms were surveyed on three main business management perspectives: corporate real estate planning, corporate real estate organizational structure and corporate real estate performance. The study found that in general, corporate real estate (CRE) is under‐managed among MNCs and listed firms in Singapore. Creating awareness of the importance and relevance of good CREM practices is therefore the most pertinent task. Part II of this paper focuses specifically on CRE performance. A data‐driven analytical technique is adopted to study the direct and indirect effects of performance factors on corporate real estate. The results indicate that only corporate real estate planning and the existence of a real estate unit have a direct impact on corporate real estate performance. This finding is both theoretically expected and important. The results reinforces current literature postulations on the importance of strategic planning as the key skills that corporate real estate managers need to be equipped with to meet the challenges ahead.
Early Neuropsychological Characteristics of Progranulin Mutation Carriers

Abstract Mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) are a common cause of familial frontotemporal dementia. We used a comprehensive neuropsychological battery to investigate whether early cognitive changes could be detected in GRN mutation carriers before dementia onset. Twenty-four at-risk members from six families with known GRN mutations underwent detailed neuropsychological testing. Group differences were investigated by domains of attention, language, visuospatial function, verbal memory, non-verbal memory, working memory and executive function. There was a trend for mutation carriers (n=8) to perform more poorly than non-carriers (n=16) across neuropsychological domains, with significant between group differences for visuospatial function (p<.04; d=0.92) and working memory function (p<.02; d=1.10). Measurable cognitive differences exist before the development of frontotemporal dementia in subjects with GRN mutations. The neuropsychological profile of mutation carriers suggests early asymmetric, right hemisphere brain dysfunction that is consistent with recent functional imaging data from our research group and the broader literature. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–10)
Isolation and characterization of cytoplasmic membranes and chlorosomes from the green bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus

A method was developed which allows the isolation and purification of cytoplasmic membranes and chlorosomes from cells of Chloroflexus aurantiacus grown under different light conditions. The dipolar ionic detergent Deriphat (0.08%) and a sodium iodide gradient centrifugation were used in isolating cytoplasmic membranes. Chlorosomes were prepared with 0.16% of the dipolar ionic detergent Miranol and purified by a sucrose gradient centrifugation. Cytoplasmic membrane fractions prepared from either high- (3,000 W m-2), medium-(200 W m-2) or low- (7 W m-2) light-grown cells had near infrared absorption bands at 866, 808, and 755 nm in a constant characteristic absorbance ratio of 6:3.8:1. In all cytoplasmic membrane preparations, the amount of bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a) per cytochrome, the amount of Bchl a per reaction center, and reaction center per milligram of cytoplasmic membrane protein was found to be constant. No Bchl c was present. Five respiratory enzyme activities have been measured in the cytoplasmic membrane fraction. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of denatured cytoplasmic membrane showed many bands, but a major polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight of 8,000. In contrast, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified chlorosomes did not contain the 8,000-molecular-weight band but revealed only three distinct protein bands with molecular weights of 15,000, 12,000, and 6,000. Isolated chlorosomes contained Bchl c and a small, yet constant, amount of Bchl a (absorbing at 790 nm) in a molar ratio of 25:1. The data indicated that the components of the photosynthetic apparatus in the cytoplasmic membrane of Chloroflexus aurantiacus remained constant and only the amount of antenna Bchl c varied with light conditions.
Cash flow volatility and corporate bond yield spreads

We conduct a detailed empirical study of the effects of cash flow volatility on corporate bond yield spreads. We use both forward-looking and historical cash flow volatility measures. Using a large sample of transaction prices for investment grade straight bonds, we show that cash flow risk has strong statistical significance and economic effects on spreads, after controlling for a battery of factors which are known to be important determinants of spreads. The effects of cash flow risk are more pronounced for firms that are at greater risk of default, and when cash flow risk is measured based on more recent information. Our results provide empirical support to structural models of bond pricing and emphasize the effect of fundamentals-related information uncertainty on bond prices.
Interface pressure measurements: Visual interpretation of pressure maps with MS clients

Purpose. Pressure mapping systems provide useful information for pressure care assessment. Healthcare professionals tend to rely upon their colour-coded pressure maps to assist clinical decision-making, based on ranking these from best to worst pressure distribution. The current study investigated whether such ranking is an appropriate method of assessment when compared to use of the numerical output of average and maximum pressure values (mmHg), yielded by the system. Method. This community-based correlational study involved 27 multiple sclerosis clients (15 wheelchair users; 12 non-wheelchair users). Pressure maps were recorded on each participant's current seating surface and on six pressure reducing cushions, using the Force Sensing Array pressure mapping system. Outcome measures included (1) rank order of pressure maps based on visual interpretation by two occupational therapists, (2) average pressure (mmHg) and (3) maximum pressure (mmHg). Visual ranking of the colour-coded pressure maps was correlated with average and maximum pressure values for each map. Results. Correlations between visual ranking of maps and maximum pressures were high for six out of seven surfaces (p < 0.05) for non-wheelchair users; however, they were much less between average pressures and visual interpretation for the same cohort. Similarly, correlations between visual ranking of maps and average pressures for wheelchair users was minimal and was only noted as being high (p < 0.05) on two surfaces when considering maximum pressures and visual interpretation. Conclusions. This study contests the usefulness of the visual ranking of pressure maps in interpreting interface pressures with MS clients, especially with wheelchair users. Visual interpretation of pressure maps by clinicians may be useful in eliminating inappropriate support surfaces from a selection, or those that display easily identifiable ‘extremes’ of pressure values. Clinicians need to incorporate and interpret the numerical data as well as pressure maps when conducting their assessment and making provision.
The Competitiveness and Efficiency of the Financial Services Sector in Africa: A Case Study of Kenya

This paper reviews the broad structural shifts in banks and other financial institutions in Kenya in the face of globalization.ItisfoundthatKenyahasmovedintouniversalbanking,reflectedbythegradualeliminationof'specified'non-bank financial institutions since 1994 and the increased share of net commissions and fees in the banks' total income, from 10 per cent in 1998 to 21 per cent in 2007. The evidence suggests that the sector experienced reduced concentration and presumably more competition during 1998-2007. Further, it is found that small banks are the least competitive (most concentrated), followed by large banks and then medium-sized banks.
Spectrum of glomerulonephritis in egypt.

Identification of the profile of glomerular disease in a particular geographical region is of fundamental academic, clinical and epidemiological importance. It helps in the recognition of specific risk factors and subsequent planning for adequate prevention. In the present study, 1234 consecutive renal biopsies referred to the nephropathology team of Cairo University over two years were retrospectively analyzed. The main indications for biopsy included nephrotic syndrome, persistent sub-nephrotic proteinuria, recurrent hematuria, suspected secondary hypertension, lupus nephritis and acute and chronic renal failure of undetermined etiology. Proliferative forms of glomerulonephritis [GN] (32.1%) and focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis [FSGS] were the most prevalent lesions among patients with the nephrotic syndrome (22.6%). In subjects with sub-nephrotic proteinuria, FSGS was the principal lesion followed by proliferative lesions. Although all forms of GN were encountered in those presenting with recurrent hematuria, mesangioproliferative GN and FSGS were significantly more frequent. IgA glomerular deposits were detected in 9.8% of all GNs and 15% of those presenting with hematuria. One half of the biopsies obtained for the assessment of suspected secondary hypertension showed only changes compatible with the effect of hypertension per se, i.e. nephroangiosclerosis. On the other hand, a parenchymal renal lesion was found in 52.9% of biopsies. The common glomerular pathologies in patients with lupus nephritis were Classes III and IV. Among patients with chronic renal failure, the predominant lesion was chronic interstitial nephritis (32.6%). An acute interstitial inflammatory element was also detected in 8.4% of cases. About one third of the biopsies obtained for acute renal failure showed acute tubular (11%) or cortical (13.2%) necrosis. Another third showed vasculitis (17.6%) or acute interstitial nephritis (14.3%), and the remaining showed chronic lesions in which the rapid deterioration was probably functional.
Doctoral Foundation Paper: The Reliability of Economic Impact Studies of the Olympic Games: A Post-Games Study of Sydney 2000 and Considerations for London 2012

This paper examines evidence derived from a case study of Sydney 2000 – which could be usefully considered in the planning of London 2012 – in estimating the economic impacts of the Olympic Games. Previous studies have utilised Input–Output models to estimate the impacts of the Games, although recent criticism of this approach has, however, led to the use of Computable General Equilibrium Models. Both models have been applied in estimating the impacts of Sydney 2000. Examining pre-Games impacts and contrasting them with post-Games results, this study reveals significant differences. This suggests the need for more rigorous and standardised industry methods to reduce discrepancies. Moreover, inadequate attention and an underestimation of importance is paid to what could be the most important period of all, the post-Games period and there is an overall lack of understanding of the behaviour patterns of Olympic tourists. The findings of this study highlight some important considerations for those involved in making London 2012 a tourism success.