Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ovalbumin blocking improves sensitivity and specificity of immunoglobulin M immunoblotting for serodiagnosis of patients with erythema migrans

To improve the serodiagnosis of erythema migrans, we evaluated how sensitivity and specificity of immunoblotting are influenced by antigen concentration and blocking conditions. We found that an antigen concentration of 0.5 micrograms per lane in concert with ovalbumin blocking of the nitrocellulose provided the best results. In this case, 81% of the erythema migrans had positive immunoglobulin M tests, whereas only 33% were positive in a flagellum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and 28% were positive in a sonicate ELISA.
Correction for Volz and Meyers, Susceptible-infected-recovered epidemics in dynamic contact networks

Correction for ‘Susceptible-infected-recovered epidemics in dynamic contact networks’ by Erik Volz and Lauren Ancel Meyers (Proc. R. Soc. B 274, 2925–2933. (doi: 10.1098/rspb.2007.1159)). On p. 2928, equations (2.17), (2.18) and table 4 were presented incorrectly.
Accounting Fundamentals and the Variation of Stock Price: Factoring in the Investment Scalability

This study develops a new return model with respect to accounting fundamentals. The new return model is based on Chen and Zhang (2007). This study takes into account theinvestment scalability information. Specifically, this study splitsthe scale of firm’s operations into short-run and long-runinvestment scalabilities. We document that five accounting fun-damentals explain the variation of annual stock return. Thefactors, comprised book value, earnings yield, short-run andlong-run investment scalabilities, and growth opportunities, co associate positively with stock price. The remaining factor,which is the pure interest rate, is negatively related to annualstock return. This study finds that inducing short-run and long-run investment scalabilities into the model could improve the degree of association. In other words, they have value rel-evance. Finally, this study suggests that basic trading strategieswill improve if investors revert to the accounting fundamentals. Keywords: accounting fundamentals; book value; earnings yield; growth opportuni­ties; short­run and long­run investment scalabilities; trading strategy;value relevance
Enrollment at Highly Selective Private Colleges: Who is Left Behind?

This study examines the enrollment decisions of freshmen applicants to highly selective private colleges relative to highly selective public colleges. The empirical analysis shows that college enrollment varies by family income - in particular, low-income students with demonstrated financial need are less likely to enroll at private colleges, controlling for other factors including race and financial aid. Grant aid tends to have a moderating effect but the amount of aid under the existing college pricing and financial aid system appears to be inadequate. This finding provides support for recent revamping of financial aid offerings to low-income students by some highly selective private colleges. In addition, the results suggest that while family income appears to be a strong determinant of enrollment at these colleges, race does not seem to play a role.
Quality of anticoagulation control among patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE To assess the level of anticoagulation control achieved in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving routine medical care within a large managed care organization and to explore patient factors that influence control. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study of all patients with AF treated in Clalit Health Services (CHS) community clinics in central Israel between November 1, 2006, to October 31, 2007. METHODS Using the CHS computerized database, we identified 906 patients with a diagnosis of AF who were treated with warfarin for at least 6 months. Data included patient demographics, comorbidities, and international normalized ratio (INR) values as well as managing physician certification. Anticoagulation control was assessed by measurement of time within therapeutic range (TTR) (INR 2-3). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the association of patient variables with anticoagulation control. RESULTS Roughly two-thirds of patients had poor anticoagulation control, as evidenced by TTR of <60%; the mean TTR was 48.6%. Poor control was significantly associated with female sex, advancing age, and comorbid conditions. Heart failure and having a non-board-certified physician were found to be independent predictors of poor control (odds ratio [OR] = 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20-2.22; and OR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.05-1.88, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Quality of anticoagulation in patients with AF receiving routine medical care was suboptimal, with nearly half the time spent outside the therapeutic range. Ways to improve anticoagulation control among patients with AF should be sought.
Extraordinary case of matrotrophy in the African skink Eumecia anchietae

The viviparous African skink, Eumecia anchietae, exhibits a matrotrophic fetal nutritional pattern. Until well after the limb bud stage, extravitelline nutritional provision is in the form of holocrine secretion originating from the stratified uterine epithelium of the uterine incubation chambers. Uterine secretions are absorbed by a specialized yolk sac ectoderm and chorioallantois through histotrophy. The yolk sac is not in close contact with the uterine lining from the limb bud stage onwards. The yolk sac ectoderm forms invaginations filled with uterine secretion and consists of a single layer of vacuolated hypertrophied cells bearing microvilli. The chorioallantois at the limb bud stage is extensive, well‐vascularized, and not intimately associated with the uterine epithelium. Where the uterus is folded, the chorioallantois may interdigitate loosely. Chorionic cells are low to high columnar, clearly vacuolated, and bear microvilli. The allantoic layer consists primarily of squamous cells exhibiting villous projections. By the time embryos have well‐defined digits, the specialized yolk sac ectoderm has regressed and the yolk sac lumen has been invaded by vitelline cells. The chorioallantois is very extensive and in areas greatly folded. Where it contacts the uterine epithelium, a proper chorioallantoic placenta is formed. Cell layers of the chorioallantois and uterine epithelium are thin and cuboidal to squamous in appearance. The chorioallantoic placenta is simple in structure, occurs throughout the incubation chamber, and is epitheliochorial in arrangement. It is unknown whether the placentome observed in other highly matrotrophic scincids is formed in late stage embryos of this species. J. Morphol. 247:264–287, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploring Personality and Readiness to Change in Patients With Substance Use Disorders With and Without ADHD

Objective: To explore personality and readiness to change among substance use disorders (SUD) patients with and without ADHD. Method: SUD + ADHD versus SUD − ADHD patients consecutively entering treatment between 2010 and 2012 were compared concerning personality (Temperament and Character Inventory) and readiness to change (Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale). Results: Among 103 SUD patients (76 men, age M = 43.3, SD = 11.1), 16 (15.5%) were diagnosed with ADHD. SUD + ADHD patients reported significantly elevated eagerness to effort (p = .008) compared with SUD − ADHD patients, who reported significantly elevated fear of uncertainty (p < .000). SUD + ADHD patients reported higher ambition (p = .025), self-forgetfulness (p = .029), and lower recognition (p = .022). They were younger (p = .019) and showed more often amphetamine addiction (p = .022) compared with SUD − ADHD patients. Conclusion: The distinct characteristics found in SUD + ADHD and SUD − ADHD patients underline the need for differentiated treatment interventions.
Thailand - Wanted : a quality education for all

Over the past two and a half decades, Thailand has made great progress in expanding basic education, closing the gap in attendance between socioeconomic groups, and putting more focus on the quality of education. Building on this progress, it appears that even more can be done to maximize the potential of Thailand’s students to become productive workforce participants. Functional illiteracy can be seen across the various types of schools in Thailand, indicating that there are still system-wide issues affecting the quality of education. Improving educational outcomes among these poorer-performing students can have major impacts at the individual level and for Thailand’s economic growth prospects. Having a workforce with stronger analytical reasoning and problem solving skills - skills that extend well beyond simply being functionally literate - can help Thailand move up the value-added ladder to a more knowledge-based economy. Therefore, addressing the remaining gaps will enable Thailand to improve its competitiveness, economic growth, and prosperity.
A Review of Empirical Manufacturing Strategy Studies

Examines empirical manufacturing strategy studies which have been published in the refereed journal literature, and the extent to which several conceptual premisses have been empirically tested. Presents a methodology for the classification of empirical manufacturing strategy which actively involves the authors of each empirical study in the classification process. Presents and discusses classifications for 27 empirical manufacturing strategy articles. Ends with suggestions for further research on the topic of empirical manufacturing strategy, along with a discussion of the most current studies on the topic.
The Potential Labour Supply in the Nordic Countries

In the coming decades the Nordic workforce and the population will become older although this process of ageing will be unevenly distributed across the Nordic regions. This study estimates the size of the potential regional labour supply up to 2030. The similarities and differences evidenced between the Nordic countries are analysed with a number of under-utilised or misused labour potentials identified. Policies tasked with mobilising the working age population, primarily to maximise the number of persons in work across the Nordic countries, are also reviewed. The study ends with some policy recommendations designed to improve the situation of marginal groups in the Nordic labour markets.
Hypolipidemic and cardioprotective effects of Ulva lactuca ethanolic extract in hypercholesterolemic mice

Abstract Context: Hypercholesterolemia has significant cardiac consequences, since it is among the major risk factors of ischemic heart diseases. Objective: The aim was searching the cardioprotective effect of chemical constituents from the sea lettuce Ulva lactuca upon hypercholesterolemic regime in mice. Material and methods: Mice were randomly divided into three groups: untreated group, hypercholesterolemic group, and mice receiving 1% cholesterol associated with U. lactuca ethanolic extract. Results: In vitro study demonstrated that algal extract has antioxidant efficacy attributable to the presence of phenolic compounds. Additionally, the alga alleviated cardiotoxicity, as shown by the improvement of haematological parameters, white cell viability, heart oxidative stress, plasma biochemical parameters and index of atherogenesis. Gene expression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 significantly decreased in the heart of U. lactuca supplemented hypercholesterolemic animals. Conclusion: It was established that the green alga, thanks to its bioactive compounds, effectively counteracts cardiotoxic effects of hypercholesterolemic regime.
Mapping the European Commission Today: How the Institution Has Changed (or Not) Over Time

The European Commission is often described as the engine of European integration. Early studies on the Commission hence mainly focused on its role in the European Community (EC) and later European Union (EU) decision-making process and its impact on European policies (Pollack 1997, 2003; Sasse et al. 1977; Jupille 2004). Yet, research that looks inside the European Commission and studies the institution itself remained sparse for a long time. Consequently, the Commission was often considered a ‘black box’ and preference formation within it was explained ad hoc by factors such as office seeking and competence expansion (Pollack 2003; Jupille 2004). This perspective often neglected the role of internal preference formation for external activities and the influence the Commission has on the other EU institutions. Scholars eventually opening the ‘black box’ have either investigated the role of different bodies within the institution (Ross 1995; Joana and Smith 2004; Kassim 2012; Peterson 2012), the role of reforms (Cini 2004; Levy 2004; Kassim 2008), the role of party politics in appointing Commissioners Journal of European Integration, 2014
Why Reregulation after the Crisis is Feeble: Shadow Banking, Offshore Financial Centers and Jurisdictional Competition

A crucial element in the complex chain of factors that caused the recent financial crisis was the lack of regulation and oversight in the shadow banking sector, which is largely incorporated in offshore financial centers (OFCs). But instead of swift and radical regulatory reform in that sector after the crisis, we observe only incremental and ineffective measures. Why? The paper develops an explanation based on a two-level game. On the international level, governments are engaged in jurisdictional competition for financial activity. On the domestic level, governments are prone to capture by financial interest groups, but also susceptible to demands for stricter regulation by the electorate. Governments try to square the circle between the conflicting demands by adopting incremental and symbolic, but largely ineffective reforms. The explanation is put to empirical scrutiny by tracing the regulatory initiatives on shadow banks and OFCs at the international level and within the USA and the European Union, where I focus on France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Return Shipping Policies of Online Retailers: Normative Assumptions and the Long-Term Consequences of Fee and Free Returns

To limit costs associated with product returns, some online retailers have instituted equity-based return shipping policies, requiring customers to pay to return products when retailers determine that customers are at fault. The authors compare the normative assumptions about customers that underlie equity-based return shipping policies with the more realistic, positivist expectations as predicted by attribution, equity, and regret theories. Two longitudinal field studies over four years using two surveys and actual customer spending data indicate that retailer confidence in those normative assumptions is unjustified. Contrary to retailer assumptions, neither the positive consequences of free returns nor the negative consequences of fee returns were reversed when customer perceptions of fairness were taken into account. Depending on the locus and extent of blame, customers who paid for their own return decreased their postreturn spending at that retailer 75%–100% by the end of two years. In contrast, returns that were free to the consumer resulted in postreturn customer spending that was 158%–457% of prereturn spending. The findings suggest that online retailers should either institute a policy of free product returns or, at a minimum, examine their customer data to determine their customers’ responses to fee returns.
Special Interests and the Gains from Political Integration

This paper presents a formal study of economic influence by special-interest groups under political integration and separation. We first show that countries where more groups are organized to lobby gain from political integration on economic grounds. The reason is that a more organized country, under a political union, can affect policies in the other country to its advantage, something that a less organized country can do to a lesser extent. We then study the interaction of political integration and endogenous lobbying structure. We show that political integration affects the formation of interest groups. Moreover, if a country is more organized before political integration, this will continue to be the case afterward.
Dynamic balance of multiple myeloma clonogenic side population cell percentages controlled by environmental conditions

Cancer stem cells are key drivers of tumor progression and disease recurrence in multiple myeloma (MM). However, little is known about the regulation of MM stem cells. Here, we show that a population of MM cells, known as the side population (SP), exhibits stem‐like properties. Cells that constitute the SP in primary MM isolates are negative or seldom expressed for CD138 and CD20 markers. In addition, the SP population contains stem cells that belong to the same lineage as the mature neoplastic plasma cells. Importantly, our data indicate that the SP and nonside population (NSP) percentages in heterogeneous MM cells are balanced, and that this balance can be achieved through a prolonged in vitro culture. Furthermore, we show that SP cells, with confirmed molecular characteristics of MM stem cells, can be regenerated from purified NSP cell populations. We also show that the percentage of SP cells can be enhanced by the hypoxic stress, which is frequently observed within MM tumors. Finally, hypoxic stress enhanced the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) and blocking the TGF‐β1 signaling pathway inhibited the NSP dedifferentiation. Taken together, these findings indicate that the balance between MM SP and NSP is regulated by environmental factors and TGF‐β1 pathway is involved in hypoxia‐induced increase of SP population. Understanding the mechanisms that facilitate SP maintenance will accelerate the design of novel therapeutics aimed at controlling these cells in MM.
MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD ESTIMATION USING PRICE DATA OF THE DERIVATIVE CONTRACT

This article develops a general methodology that uses the observed prices of a derivative contract to compute maximum likelihood parameter estimates for an unobserved asset value process. the use of this estimation methodology is demonstrated in two applications: Vasicek's term structure model and deposit insurance pricing. This methodology can also be useful in the empirical analysis of complex financial contracts involving embedded options.
E‐HR adoption and the role of HRM: evidence from Greece

Purpose - This paper attempts to investigate the transformation in the role of the HR function in Greek firms, as a result of the use of internet and technology. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on both quantitative and qualitative methodology. A survey and focus groups took place in order to meet research objectives. Findings - This paper examines and discusses the development of e-HR use in Greece and the reasons for adoption of e-HR practices focusing on strategy, process and HRM issues. Findings show that e-HR facilitates the transformation of HRM role into a more strategic one. Driving forces and critical success factors of e-HR adoption and implementation are identified and discussed. Research limitations/implications - Limits its usefulness to countries that experience a stage of HRM professionalisation and technological development similar to that of Greece. Practical implications - Identifies critical success factors in e-HR adoption as well as main problems associated with it. Originality/value - Qualitative results provided by the focus groups give an illustrative picture of the companies presented.
Asian hub/feeder nets: the dynamics of restructuring

The emergence of hub/feeder networks in the Singapore-Japan corridor through the 1970s and 1980s reflected not only the rapid growth of containerized cargo in regional Southeast and East Asia but also the exceptional importance of Far East/transPacific and Far East/Europe mainline shipping services in structuring these networks. This paper argues that the mid-1990s is a defining moment in the restructuring of these networks; that the period represents, in fact, a convergence of a number of different though related trends impacting on the regional shipping market. More particularly, continuing high growth rates of containerized cargo have not only spawned new ports but have also increased the proportion of ports handling threshold volumes of containers for which mainline calls, rather than handling thfeeder operations, are justified. Further, the quite dramatic retionalization of already large container shipping lines into mergers and alliances bestows a new level of market power that is able to underwrite major changes in shipping schedules, port rotations and feeder linkages. This paper speculates that these developments are generating, and will continue to generate new, hierarchically organized port/shipping networks in which high order networks will include high efficiency/high cost operations; and lower order networks will include a mix of hub and direct-call ports that will focus on different market segments.
Identification and Localization of an Arachidonic Acid-Sensitive Potassium Channel in the Cochlea

Receptor cells of the auditory and vestibular end organs of vertebrates acquire various types of potassium channels during development. Their expression and kinetics can differ along the tonotopic axis as well as in different cell types of the sensory epithelium. These variations can play a crucial role in modulating sensory transduction and cochlear tuning. Whole-cell tight-seal recordings of isolated hair cells revealed the presence of an arachidonic acid-sensitive A-type channel in the short (outer) hair cells of the chicken cochlea. This polyunsaturated fatty acid blocked the A-current, thereby increasing the amplitude and duration of the voltage response in these cells. We identified the gene encoding this channel as belonging to a member of the Shal subfamily, Kv4.2. Expression of the recombinant channel shows half-activation and inactivation potentials shifted to more positive values relative to native channels, suggesting that the native channel is coexpressed with an accessory subunit. RT-PCR revealed that transcription begins early in development, whereas in situ hybridization showed mRNA expression limited to the intermediate and short hair cells located in specific regions of the adult cochlea. Additional localization, using immunofluorescent staining, revealed clustering in apical-lateral regions of the receptor cell as well as in the cochlear ganglion. These experiments provide evidence that in addition to membrane proteins modulating excitation in these receptor cells, fatty acids contribute to the coding of auditory stimuli via these channels.