Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Optimal Mouse Models of Systemic Sclerosis by Interspecies Comparative Genomics

Understanding the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is confounded by considerable disease heterogeneity. Animal models of SSc that recapitulate distinct subsets of disease at the molecular level have not been delineated. We applied interspecies comparative analysis of genomic data from multiple mouse models of SSc and patients with SSc to determine which animal models best reflect the SSc intrinsic molecular subsets.
Cyclosporine Microemulsion and Tacrolimus are Associated with Decreased Chronic Allograft Failure and Improved Long‐term Graft Survival as Compared with Sandimmune

Tacrolimus and cyclosporine in the microemulsion formulation Neoral® have demonstrated improvements in acute rejection rates after renal transplantation compared with conventional cyclosporine formulation, Sandimmune®. To evaluate whether these drugs are also associated with improvements in chronic allograft failure (CAF) rates, we retrospectively analyzed 32 040 primary renal allograft recipients reported to the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) between 1994 and 1997.
Determinants of Innovative Behaviour in Flemish Nonprofit Organizations: An empirical research

Abstract Faced with an increasingly challenging environment, nonprofit organizations (NPOs) must behave innovatively and act in a result- or performance-oriented manner. In this article, we explore the extent to which NPOs behave innovatively (in their management and service delivery), and the factors that determine this innovative behaviour. We conducted our research in the main subsectors of the Flemish nonprofit sector (education, welfare, health and the socio-cultural sector). The results presented here are based on a survey of 170 NPO managers. We found that the organizations within our sample claim that innovations occur to a fairly large extent. We have, however, discovered differences in innovative behaviour between subsectors. In addition, we found that there are many forces at work when trying to explain innovative behaviour in NPOs and different forms of innovative behaviour also seem to have different explanations.
International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCII. Urotensin II, Urotensin II–Related Peptide, and Their Receptor: From Structure to Function

Urotensin II (UII) is a cyclic neuropeptide that was first isolated from the urophysis of teleost fish on the basis of its ability to contract the hindgut. Subsequently, UII was characterized in tetrapods including humans. Phylogenetic studies and synteny analysis indicate that UII and its paralogous peptide urotensin II-related peptide (URP) belong to the somatostatin/cortistatin superfamily. In mammals, the UII and URP genes are primarily expressed in cholinergic neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. UII and URP mRNAs are also present in various organs notably in the cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine systems. UII and URP activate a common G protein–coupled receptor, called UT, that exhibits relatively high sequence identity with somatostatin, opioid, and galanin receptors. The UT gene is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues including the retina, heart, vascular bed, lung, kidney, adrenal medulla, and skeletal muscle. Structure-activity relationship studies and NMR conformational analysis have led to the rational design of a number of peptidic and nonpeptidic UT agonists and antagonists. Consistent with the wide distribution of UT, UII has now been shown to exert a large array of biologic activities, in particular in the CNS, the cardiovascular system, and the kidney. Here, we review the current knowledge concerning the pleiotropic actions of UII and discusses the possible use of antagonists for future therapeutic applications.
Effects of Ploidy and Mating Type on Virulence of Candida albicans

ABSTRACT Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen of humans. The recent discovery of sexuality in this organism has led to the demonstration of a mating type locus which is usually heterozygous, although some isolates are homozygous. Tetraploids can be formed between homozygotes of the opposite mating type. However, the role of the mating process and tetraploid formation in virulence has not been investigated. We describe here experiments using a murine model of disseminated candidiasis which demonstrate that in three strains, including CAI-4, the most commonly used strain background, tetraploids are less virulent than diploids and can undergo changes in ploidy during infection. In contrast to reports with other strains, we find that MTL homozygotes are almost as virulent as the heterozygotes. These results show that the level of ploidy in Candida albicans can affect virulence, but the mating type configuration does not necessarily do so.
Seizures in HIV‐seropositive individuals: NIMHANS experience and review

Seizures are not uncommon in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and with the upsurge in HIV infection this may be an important cause for acute symptomatic seizures. Seizures may rarely be the presenting manifestation of HIV infection. Opportunistic infections such as toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML), cryptococcal meningitis and polymicrobial infections, metabolic and electrolyte disturbances, and drugs are common causes of new‐onset seizures in HIV‐seropositive individuals. In the absence of any cause, primary HIV infection may be considered responsible for seizures. Because seizures tend to recur in and because they are a poor prognostic indicator in HIV infection, treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is the norm. The treatment of HIV‐infected individuals with seizures comprises of the administration of AEDs, specific treatment of the underlying conditions, and antiretroviral drugs. Clinicians must consider both therapy‐compromising drug–drug and drug–disease interactions while choosing appropriate AEDs. The ideal AED in this setting is one that does not affect viral replication, have limited protein binding, and have no effects on the hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme system. The risks for AED‐induced allergic skin rash appears to be high in HIV‐seropositive individuals.
Factors influencing productivity in small island hotels: evidence from Northern Cyprus.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on an empirical research study which investigated the factors influencing productivity in hotels in Northern Cyprus.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical data was collected via a structured questionnaire from middle and senior managers of four and five‐star hotels in Northern Cyprus.Findings – According to the research findings staff recruitment, staff training, meeting guest expectations, and service quality are the main productivity factors in hotels; while crises, technology, marketing, and forecasting are ranked relatively low. It emerged from the findings that hotel managers in Northern Cyprus have a narrow view of productivity and follow a more input‐oriented approach to managing productivity.Research limitations/implications – Based on the research findings and their discussions, this study provides several recommendations for future research in this area.Practical implications – The research results highlight the importance of training middle .
A test of the present value model of stock prices under rational and adaptive expectations using Bursa Malaysia data from 1983 to 2003

The rational expectations model has been the central expectations hypothesis used by economists while the adaptive expectations hypothesis has been considered by many as inefficient because expectations cannot fully exploit all available information. The aim of this study is to determine which of these two expectations formation hypotheses best explains the behaviour of investors in the Malaysian stock market. We employ the Chow (1988) methodology in which the two expectations hypotheses are applied to the present value model of stock prices for Malaysian stock market data consisting of stock prices and dividends for 13 companies over 21 years. Our results provide strong statistical support for the adaptive expectations hypothesis. This finding is in line with the empirical findings of Chow and his collaborators.
Determinantes da Política de Dividendos: Evidência de Portugal

Objective – The objective of this article is to identify the determinants of non-financial companies' dividend policy of the Portuguese capital market and contribute to resolve the divergence of determinants of the dividend policy existent in previous studies. Design/methodology/approach – To solve the problematic under study were tested several financial determinants, through the application of the method of multiple linear regressions to the non-financial listed companies on the Euronext Lisbon, between 1997 and 2011. Findings – The results suggest as main indicators for the Portuguese dividend policy the stability, the value of the market, the previous pay-out and the business dimension; which influence positively the amount of dividends distribute through the company. Therefore, the opportunities of growing and investment influence negatively the distribution of dividends. Practical implications –Identify the principal determinants of the dividend policy of the non-financial companies listed on the Portuguese capital markets - Euronext Lisbon and allow sustaining and improving the corporations and investors’ decisions. Originality/value – This study opens up an opportunity to contribute to the understanding of the determinants of dividend policy of the listed corporations in the Lisbon Stock Exchange, aiming permeates greater scientific knowledge in the context of understanding the determinants of dividend puzzle policy and the existing divergences of several previous empirical studies.
Asymmetric volatility dynamics in high frequency FTSE-100 stock index futures

This paper examines whether variants of the GARCH class of model with the capacity to accommodate volatility asymmetries and volatility feedback are able to provide an adequate representation of non-linear dependency in intraday FTSE-100 stock index futures returns at the quarter-hour and hourly frequency. Significant variance asymmetry is identified, and such that negative shocks induce a greater response in volatility than equivalent positive shocks, but with the additional effect of subsequently depressing volatility at the 15-minute frequency. In the absence of financial leverage arguments in the market considered, and the absence of a statistically significant volatility feedback effect, such asymmetry is interpreted as indirect evidence for the presence of noise traders, attracted to such markets by low transaction costs and margin requirements. In contrast with previous results using intraday data, a notable absence of remaining structure in asymmetric GARCH models at the hourly frequency is found, but neither symmetric nor asymmetric models are able to fully account for nonlinear dependence at the higher intraday frequency.
Getting strategic value from constellations of communities

The concept of constellations of communities is a big picture view of how communities of practice in organizations relate to one another. These communities are voluntary, and over time they form a complex, informal network of relationships, knowledge sharing, learning, and conversations that can be woven together into a powerful strategic fabric with the right kind of leadership. Like a garden, these communities must be tended and nurtured rather than commanded and controlled. The article contains examples of constellations of communities in business, non‐profit, volunteer‐oriented associations, and society at large and outlines the potential benefits of a constellation to its stakeholders.
The Arabidopsis SWR1 Chromatin-Remodeling Complex Is Important for DNA Repair, Somatic Recombination, and Meiosis[W][OPEN]

This work examines the role of the chromatin-remodeling complex SWR1, which deposits histone H2A.Z. Multiple independent mutants affecting SWR1 complex subunits accumulate DNA damage and have impaired somatic homologous recombination, reduced fertility, and irregular gametogenesis, indicating key functions of this complex during DNA repair and meiosis. All processes requiring interaction with DNA are attuned to occur within the context of the complex chromatin structure. As it does for programmed transcription and replication, this also holds true for unscheduled events, such as repair of DNA damage. Lesions such as double-strand breaks occur randomly; their repair requires that enzyme complexes access DNA at potentially any genomic site. This is achieved by chromatin remodeling factors that can locally slide, evict, or change nucleosomes. Here, we show that the Swi2/Snf2-related (SWR1 complex), known to deposit histone H2A.Z, is also important for DNA repair in Arabidopsis thaliana. Mutations in genes for Arabidopsis SWR1 complex subunits PHOTOPERIOD-INDEPENDENT EARLY FLOWERING1, ACTIN-RELATED PROTEIN6, and SWR1 COMPLEX6 cause hypersensitivity to various DNA damaging agents. Even without additional genotoxic stress, these mutants show symptoms of DNA damage accumulation. The reduced DNA repair capacity is connected with impaired somatic homologous recombination, in contrast with the hyper-recombinogenic phenotype of yeast SWR1 mutants. This suggests functional diversification between lower and higher eukaryotes. Finally, reduced fertility and irregular gametogenesis in the Arabidopsis SWR1 mutants indicate an additional role for the chromatin-remodeling complex during meiosis. These results provide evidence for the importance of Arabidopsis SWR1 in somatic DNA repair and during meiosis.
A Capability Approach to talent management

This paper takes a fresh and radical look at organisational talent management strategies. It offers a critique of some of the prevalent assumptions underpinning certain talent management practices, in particular those fuelled by the narratives of scarcity and metaphors of war. We argue that talent management programmes based on these assumptions ignore important social and ethical dimensions, to the detriment of both organizations and individuals. We offer instead a set of principles proceeding from and informed by Sen’s Capability Approach. Based on the idea of freedoms not resources, the Approach circumvents discourses of scarcity and restores vital social and ethical considerations to ideas about talent management. We also emphasise its versatility and sensitivity to the particular circumstances of individual organisations such that corporate leaders and human resource practitioners might use the principles for a number of practical purposes.
Culture, values and entrepreneurial motivation in Bhutan

Purpose - – This study aims to conduct a comparative exploration into the effects of culture, social values and entrepreneurial motivation on the career decisions of youth in the newly liberalizing economy of Bhutan. These data should inform current efforts in that country to foster greater entrepreneurship among young people as a means to national development and enhanced levels of gross national happiness (GNH). Design/methodology/approach - – We surveyed 144 young people with an express interest in becoming educated in business and entrepreneurship, located in Bhutan and Canada. We measured the seven Hofstede's dimensions of national culture, two dimensions of social values from the world values survey and the three dimensions of McClelland's need for achievement construct – in all cases by reusing well-established metrics from the entrepreneurship and international business literature. The novel Bhutanese data are then compared to the equivalent data for Canada to provide context for their interpretation. Findings - – Our results show significant and wide-spread differences in the measures of culture and social values. On the measures of achievement motivation, our results show that the Bhutanese youth differ only in a significantly lower need for demonstrating mastery. Research limitations/implications - – This study appears to be the first report of the widely used international measures of culture, values and motivation for Bhutan, which represents a context that differs very significantly from many of its Asian neighbors and from western countries that are the usual subjects of research into drivers of entrepreneurship. As such, Bhutan may form an important test of the generalizability of theories of entrepreneurship and national development. Practical implications - – Our results point to novel and clear linkages between national policy objectives of increased entrepreneurship among youth and the specific supports and obstacles that exist in the national culture and values. These linkages, along with our findings on Bhutanese levels of achievement motivation, should inform the development of training programs to support the achievement of the national objectives. Originality/value - – Bhutan represents a unique combination where national entrepreneurship programs are being used for economic development in the context of a highly traditional social environment based on the maximization of GHN. Our results provide a unique insight into significant effects that culture and values may have in the realization of these goals for the people of Bhutan.
A decision model for outsourcing training functions: distinguishing between generic and firm-job-specific training content

Employee training plays a crucial role in the success of most organizations. Due to its developmental aspect, training is closely linked to core competencies and strategic focus. However, it is also one of the most widely outsourced HR functions in most Western economies. This article attempts to illustrate and propose a decision model for the factors that shape the expected benefits and subsequently the extent of outsourcing training functions. A distinction is made among generic training (for the development of competencies) and job- or company- specific training (for example, induction training, job specialization, etc.). Two decision models are extracted with structural equation modelling. Asset specificity, market availability, in-house development of training and firm size are discussed. The factors shaping the decision to outsource, as well as the perceived benefits from outsourcing employee training, are different for each of the two types of training (generic and specific). The reasons underlying those differences are discussed. For both types of training service it is proposed that the expected quality benefits, not cost ones, induce companies to outsource training. Thus, this study attempts to offer a useful insight into the factors shaping the extent and the expected benefits from outsourcing training services. The outcomes can further assist HRM professionals (managers and providers of HRM services), as well as academics to gain a better understanding of the nature of HRM outsourcing decisions in general, and a ‘basic’ HRM outsourcing practice – training – in particular.
AMP-activated Protein Kinase Suppresses Protein Synthesis in Rat Skeletal Muscle through Down-regulated Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Signaling*

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is viewed as an energy sensor that acts to modulate glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle. Given that protein synthesis is a high energy-consuming process, it may be transiently depressed during cellular energy stress. Thus, the intent of this investigation was to examine whether AMPK activation modulates the translational control of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. Injections of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-d-ribonucleoside (AICAR) were used to activate AMPK in male rats. The activity of α1 AMPK remained unchanged in gastrocnemius muscle from AICAR-treated animals compared with controls, whereas α2AMPK activity was significantly increased (51%). AICAR treatment resulted in a reduction in protein synthesis to 45% of the control value. This depression was associated with decreased activation of protein kinases in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal transduction pathway as evidenced by reduced phosphorylation of protein kinase B on Ser473, mTOR on Ser2448, ribosomal protein S6 kinase on Thr389, and eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E-binding protein on Thr37. A reduction in eIF4E associated with eIF4G to 10% of the control value was also noted. In contrast, eIF2B activity remained unchanged in response to AICAR treatment and therefore would not appear to contribute to the depression in protein synthesis. This is the first investigation to demonstrate changes in translation initiation and skeletal muscle protein synthesis in response to AMPK activation.
EU-US trade deal: value relevance and conservatism in converging accounting standards

This thesis examines the differences regarding the relation between conditional conservatism and price value relevance in the EU and US. In particular, it investigates whether the relation differs in context of different accounting standards. This paper further investigates how the presence of accruals is related to conservatism and value relevance. OLS regressions are carried out to measure conditional conservatism, price value relevance and accrual intensity. Results show that US based firms are more conservative in their accounting practice and therefore have lower value-relevant financial information. European firms, on the other hand, appear to have low levels of conservatism and high value relevance. The presence of accruals and the relation between conservatism and price value relevance did not appear to have a positive relation. However, the regression did show another relation. Interestingly, the presence of accruals is negatively related to conservatism and positive to value relevance. In conclusion, IFRS and US GAAP compliance do not appear to have relational differences regarding conservatism and value relevance. Even more so, results show equal relational directions in the presence of accruals.
Clustered Sequence Representation for Fast Homology Search

We present a novel approach to managing redundancy in sequence databanks such as GenBank. We store clusters of near-identical sequences as a representative union-sequence and a set of corresponding edits to that sequence. During search, the query is compared to only the union-sequences representing each cluster; cluster members are then only reconstructed and aligned if the union-sequence achieves a sufficiently high score. Using this approach with BLAST results in a 27% reduction in collection size and a corresponding 22% decrease in search time with no significant change in accuracy. We also describe our method for clustering that uses fingerprinting, an approach that has been successfully applied to collections of text and web documents in Information Retrieval. Our clustering approach is ten times faster on the GenBank nonredundant protein database than the fastest existing approach, CD-HIT. We have integrated our approach into FSA-BLAST, our new Open Source version of BLAST (available from http://www.fsa-blast.org/). As a result, FSA-BLAST is twice as fast as NCBI-BLAST with no significant change in accuracy.
Competition in the Pay-TV Market

Abstract This paper discusses competition in the emerging pay-TV market. Economic features of the industry are described, and the current state of the market in the UK is summarized. Two simple formal models of the industry are analyzed: First the danger of two vertically integrated pay-TV networks entering into collusive agreements to exchange programming with each other is discussed; second, the private and social incentives for signing exclusive contracts for premium programming are analyzed. J. Japan. Int. Econ. , December 1999, 13 (4), pp. 257–280. Nuffield College, Oxford OX1 1NF, United Kingdom. Copyright 1999 Academic Press. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: D43, L13, L41, L82.