Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microglia, a potential source of neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes

Microglia are considered the only cell population of mesodermal origin in the brain, although their role is not fully understood. The present study demonstrated that rat primary microglial cells expressed nestin, A2B5, and O4 antigens, which are markers for oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Based on these findings, we investigated whether microglial cells generated neurons or macroglial cells. Purified microglial cells were cultured in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum for 3 days, followed by culture in the presence of 70% serum for 2 days. During the two‐step culture, microglial cells became highly proliferative and strongly expressed inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) genes, indicative of dedifferentiation of the cells. The dedifferentiated cells also expressed transcription factors that promote differentiation into neurons or macroglial cells. When the dedifferentiated cells were transferred into serum‐free medium on poly‐L‐lysine‐coated substrate, a substantial number of the cells rapidly turned into long process‐bearing cells, which expressed microtubule‐associated protein 2, synapsin I, neurofilament proteins, glial fibrillary acidic protein, or galactocerebroside. When microglial cells were fluorescently labeled through acetylated low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors or by a phagocytosis‐dependent mechanism, fluorescence‐bearing neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes were observed. Neurospheres, aggregates of neural stem cells, expressed Musashi 1 and epidermal growth factor receptor, but the microglia‐derived cells did not. These results suggest a novel role of microglia as multipotential stem cells to give rise to neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What Drives Tax Morale? A Focus on Emerging Economies

This paper reviews the literature and contributes with some evidence based on the World Values Survey on the drivers of tax morale worldwide, with an emphasis on developing countries. It shows that socio-economic factors such as age, religion, gender, employment status and educational attainment have a significant impact on people’s levels of tax morale. In terms of institutional determinants, satisfaction with democracy, trust in government and the satisfaction with the quality of public services play an important role in increasing tax morale. The paper also discusses future directions for research and policy action in this area
Ethics and human resource management and development in a global context: case study of an Indian multinational

A firm's orientation to ethics is influenced largely by its national and organizational culture. Research shows that a growing number of Indian firms place a distinct emphasis on long-term orientation to business strategy with a social mission, underpinned by firm commitment to core organizational values, employee development and welfare. Through a case study of a large Indian multinational conglomerate, this article provides preliminary evidence of how some emerging economy firms are successfully mixing and matching indigenous business and people management strategies with the Western emphasis on meritocracy and professionalism to compete in the contemporary global economy. It further shows how the human resource development (HRD) discipline can play a pro-active role in embedding ethics and values throughout the organizational and HR architecture. The HRD professionals in the case study firm also face several structural and cultural challenges in discharging their ethics-driven HR mandate, such as management's ethnocentric attitude to global staffing and clash of work cultures.
A comparison of the sensitivity of stream benthic community indices to effects associated with mines, pulp and paper mills, and urbanization

This study examined the relative sensitivities of seven commonly used indices of stream benthic community composition and three multivariate indices to effects associated with mines, pulp and paper mills, and urbanization. The indices included total abundance, number of taxa, diversity (H′), evenness, Hilsenhoff's biotic index (HBI), the BioMAP water quality index (WQI), the percent model affinity (PMA), and the first three ordination axes from a correspondence analysis. The second objective of the study was to determine the degree of redundancy among these indices. Six data sets (two from each of the three types of development) were used to address the objectives. In each data set, replicate benthic samples were collected from reference areas as well as one or more downstream areas exposed to a point‐source or non‐point‐source discharge. The PMA approach and the ordination axes indicated significant differences between the reference and downstream communities for all six data sets (p < 0.05). With the exception of H′, each of the other metrics revealed significant effects associated with one or two, but not all three, types of development. For example, the HBI and WQI indicated significant effects associated with pulp and paper mills and urbanization, but not mining. In all studies, effect sizes (i.e., the standardized difference between means for the reference and exposed areas expressed in units of standard deviations [SDs]) exceeded 2 SDs. However, effect sizes for the PMA and the first or second ordination axis scores were generally larger than effect sizes for the other metrics, indicating that these indices were often the most sensitive indicators of development. In addition, a high degree of redundancy was found among the various metrics, perhaps because the effects were large (i.e., >2 SDs). The greater sensitivity of the ordination axes and the PMA approach emphasizes their value as indices of benthic community composition. As a result, we recommend that any suite of indices used for assessing benthic communities should include these types of multivariate metrics.
Production management in New Zealand: is education relevant to practice?

Presents a report on a postal survey of production managers and production management academics carried out in New Zealand. The managers were asked questions about their tasks, responsibilities, and educational needs. The academics provided data on their teaching of production management. The survey particularly focused on the practical relevance of production management topics commonly taught in undergraduate courses of tertiary institutions. Survey results show that the practical relevance of production management education in New Zealand is significant, but there is room for improvement.
Mutational analysis of the GPI‐anchor addition sequence from the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium

The plasma membrane of Plasmodium sporozoites is uniformly covered by the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored circumsporozoite (CS) protein. Sporozoites form in the mosquito midgut through a budding process that occurs within a multinucleate oocyst underneath the basal lamina of the gut. Earlier genetic studies established that normal sporozoite development requires CS. Mutant parasites lacking CS [CS (–)] do not form sporozoites. Ultrastructural analysis of the oocysts from these parasites revealed that there is an early block in the cytokinesis that occurs within the multinucleate oocysts to generate individual sporozoites. Parasites that are hypomorphic for CS expression gave rise to sporozoites with abnormal morphology. These results proved that CS plays a direct role in the maturation of oocysts and in the normal budding of sporozoites. In this article, we examined if the membrane localization of CS via a GPI‐anchor, is crucial for its function during sporozoite formation. We generated three mutants in Plasmodium berghei CS, CS‐ΔGPI, CS‐TM1 and CS‐TM2. In CS‐ΔGPI, we deleted the signal sequence required for the addition of a GPI‐anchor to CS. The resulting protein was found only in the cytoplasm of the oocyst. In CS‐TM1 and CS‐TM2, the GPI‐anchor addition sequence of CS was substituted by the transmembrane domain and truncated (to different degrees) cytoplasmic tail of Plasmodium thrombospondin‐related anonymous protein (TRAP). The resulting CS protein was detected on the plasma membrane of the oocysts. The amount of CS in the mutants was similar to that of wild type. The sporozoite budding and development were abrogated in both CS‐ΔGPI and CS‐TM mutants. The ultrastructure of the mutant oocysts was indistinguishable from that of the CS (–) parasites. Our results suggest that the GPI‐anchor of the CS protein is required for sporogenesis.
“Fleshing out” an engagement with a social accounting technology

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical account of a social accounting technology applied within a New Zealand Local Body Authority and reflect on “assemblages” that enable change for sustainability thinking at the organisational level. Design/methodology/approach - The paper presents a case using semi-structured interviews to track six sustainability assessment model (SAM) applications over a two-year period. The diversity of applications ranged from large infrastructure projects such as transport through to libraries and meant the SAM was operational under a variety of organisational settings. Findings - Evidence found suggests that the SAM influenced mental models of participants, fostered more reflective and inclusive accounts, changed organisational decisions, and resulted in tangible change. However, managers vulnerable to voting influences later changed their criteria on which the SAM was evaluated and in turn rendered it “technically inadequate”. Further findings indicate the role of accountants and legislation were salient enabling “assemblages”. Such findings support the assertion of in-depth case studies and multiple applications of a social accounting technology being required to make visible important factors in enabling sustainability thinking. Originality/value - The paper explores the process of change implicated with SEA technology engagements beyond a “success” or “failure” label by examining empirically the enabling features implicated in sustainability thinking. In doing so the paper responds to a lack of in-depth engagements of social accounting technologies in the organisational environments they were designed for and provides a basis for theorising SEA technologies.
The effects of advertising on resale price maintenance

This research combines the market power and market competition perspectives on advertising, under the framework of a generalized theoretical model in minimum resale price maintenance (RPM), in order to investigate the effects of advertising on RPM using the real options approach. The effects of advertising on retail price will impact the value of RPM, further, influence the incentive of manufacturers to impose RPM. Through brand penetration and promotional pricing effects, advertising is likely to influence RPM under the condition of retail price competition. When the brand penetration effect is dominant, advertising will discourage manufacturers from imposing RPM. Advertising will encourage manufacturers to impose RPM when the promotional pricing effect is dominant. RPM not only substitutes advertising, but also complements advertising.
Appropriability as the driver of internationalization of service-oriented firms

An important factor facilitating the internationalization of product-oriented companies is an appropriability regime allowing a firm to become the sole or dominant provider of specific products. The challenge for service firms is that many appropriability mechanisms, such as patents, are traditionally targeted at protecting tangible products and processes from imitation. In this study, we address this issue and examine the role of appropriability conditions as a facilitator of internationalization in the service sector. The results collected from the analysis of 209 firms suggest that a strong appropriability regime (especially in terms of formal mechanisms) positively affects the internationalization of service industry firms.
Abnormal osteopontin and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein localization, and odontoblast differentiation, in X-linked hypophosphatemic teeth

Abstract Mutations in phosphate-regulating gene (PHEX) lead to X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH), a genetic disease characterized by impaired mineralization in bones and teeth. In human XLH tooth dentin, calcospherites that would normally merge as part of the mineralization process are separated by unmineralized interglobular spaces where fragments of matrix proteins accumulate. Here, we immunolocalized osteopontin (OPN) in human XLH teeth, in a three-dimensional XLH human dental pulp stem cell-collagen scaffold culture model and in a rat tooth injury repair model treated with acidic serine- and aspartate-rich motif peptides (ASARM). In parallel, matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) immunolocalization and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were assessed in XLH teeth. OPN was expressed by odontoblasts in the XLH models, and localized to the abnormal calcospherites of XLH tooth dentin. In addition, ALP activity and MEPE localization were abnormal in human XLH teeth, with MEPE showing an accumulation in the unmineralized interglobular spaces in dentin. Furthermore, XLH odontoblasts failed to form a well-polarized odontoblast layer. These data suggest that both MEPE and OPN are involved in impaired tooth mineralization associated with XLH, possibly through different effects on the mineralization process.
Effect of long chain fatty acids on bacterial respiration and amino acid uptake.

Summary. Long chain fatty acids stimulated oxygen uptake by Gram positive bacteria at bactericidal and protoplast lytic concentrations and produced inhibition at higher levels. The order of activity between individual acids and effects of reversal agents on respiratory activity corresponded to those which produced bactericidal activity. Protoplasts were more susceptible to inhibition than whole cells. Gram negative bacteria were inhibited to a limited extent at high fatty acid concentrations, but spheroplasts were highly sensitive. Fatty acids inhibited amino acid uptake both aerobically and anaerobically at sub-bactericidal levels. The effects were reversed by metal cations, and reflected the activity of dinitrophenol and sodium azide. The susceptibility of organisms to inhibition was of the same order as the sensitivity to other antibacterial effects. The probable mode of action of the fatty acids is discussed in terms of the interference with energy metabolism within the bacterial cell.
The Role of Perfectionism in Student Suicide: Three Case Studies from the UK

A number of studies have investigated the relationship between suicide and perfectionism but none to our knowledge have been based on studies of completed suicides. This article aims to provide important insight into the potency that certain profiles of perfectionism can claim in the path to suicide by presenting three case studies from a U.K. study of student suicide. Collectively, these case studies provide theoretical support for existing frameworks and are consistent with other literature which emphasizes those forms of perfectionism that engender severe self-criticism and self-doubt and fear of failure as most destructive.
Polarized Expression of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator and Associated Epithelial Proteins during the Regeneration of Human Airway Surface Epithelium in Three-Dimensional Culture

We have previously shown that, in normal human airway tissue, localization of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) can be affected by epithelial maturation, polarity, and differentiation and that CFTR trafficking and apical localization depend on the integrity of the airway epithelium. In this study, we addressed the question of whether the three-dimensional (3-D) organization of adult human airway epithelial cells in suspension culture under rotation, leading to spheroid-like structures, could mimic the in vivo phenomenon of differentiation and polarization. The kinetics of the differentiation, polarity, and formation of the CFTR-ZO-1-ezrin complex was analyzed by transmission, scanning, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Functional activity of the airway surface epithelium was assessed by monitoring the degree of cAMP-stimulated chloride efflux from cultured cells. Our results show that after the initial step of dedifferentiation, characterized by a loss of ciliated cells and disappearance of epithelial subapical CFTR-ezrin-ZO-1 complex, the isolated cells formed 3-D spheroid structures within 24 hours. After 15 days, progressive ciliogenesis was observed and secretory cells could be identified. After 35 days of 3-D culture, ZO-1, CFTR, ezrin, and CD59 were apically or subapically located, and well-differentiated secretory and ciliated cells were identified. CFTR functionality was assessed by analyzing the Cl− secretion after amiloride and forskolin perfusion. After 35 days of culture of spheroids in suspension, a significant increase in Cl− efflux was observed in well-differentiated ciliated cells.
A comparative study of bone densitometry during osseointegration: piezoelectric surgery versus rotary protocols.

OBJECTIVES To date, there have been no studies on the outcome of osseointegration of alveolar bone around dental implants inserted with piezoelectric osteotomy versus conventional osteotomy. The aim of this study was to compare the radiographic differences, through evaluation of peri-implant bone density, between implant insertion using traditional surgical technique and piezoelectric technique. METHOD AND MATERIALS Forty patients were selected whose treatment consisted of a minimum of two implants placed in nonpathologic native bone. A single type of implant surface (SLA) was chosen. The implants were placed following the manufacturer protocol for traditional surgical technique and piezoelectric technique. Radiographs were taken following surgery and 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery. The bone density was studied with the densitometry application. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION All patients completed the study period with success. Despite a limited number of treated patients, the results of this pilot study demonstrated that (1) piezoelectric implant site preparation promotes better bone density and osteogenesis, and (2) the piezoelectric technique is predictable, with a 100% success rate in this study.
The world health organization's histological classification of salivary gland tumors. A commentary on the second edition

The second edition of the World Health Organization's Histological Classification of Salivary Gland Tumors is more extensive and detailed than the previous edition published 20 years ago. The new edition is based on data regarding newly described tumor entities and the behavior and prognosis of the previously classified tumors. The distinct morphologic features of monomorphic adenomas justify their separation for purposes of identification. Among the carcinomas, various types were distinguished for purposes of recognition, prognosis, and treatment. The term tumor was replaced by carcinoma in the following two entities: acinic cell carcinoma and mucoe‐pidermoid carcinoma. The tumor‐like lesions were described in more detail. Cancer 1992; 70:379–385.
Pathoanatomical characteristics of clinical lumbar spinal stenosis.

BACKGROUND There is no clear picture of pathoanatomy in clinically diagnosed LSS. Findings in the literature regarding imaging in LSS are heterogeneous. OBJECTIVE Characterize the pathoanatomy of LSS, as reported in the radiology reports, for a large community-based sample of patients with the clinical diagnosis of LSS. METHODS Retrospective review of clinical radiology reports. The sample comprised patients 40 years of age or older, with clinically diagnosed LSS. Radiology reports for lumbar MRI were obtained and data were extracted pertaining to the type and location of LSS. RESULTS 173 subjects with a mean age of 66.2 ± 11.7 years were included (61% women). 68.2% had mixed stenosis, 19.1% had central stenosis only, and 12.7% had lateral stenosis only. By level, the most prevalent findings were at L4/5 (93%), L3/4 (66%) and L5/S1 (49%). This pattern was different in those with lateral stenosis only, where the proportion of findings at L5/S1 was higher than at L3/4. 156 subjects (90.2%) had findings of at least moderate severity. Considering moderate-severe findings only, 31% had mixed stenosis and 40.0% had multi-level findings (90.5% at adjacent segments). When mild findings were included for subjects with at least one moderate-severe finding the rate of mixed stenosis increased to 59%, and multi-level stenosis to 68.6%. The most common multi-level combinations were L3/4 and L4/5 for two-level stenosis and L2/3 through L4/5 for three-level. CONCLUSION Results of this study confirm a number of pathoanatomical patterns in people diagnosed with LSS, including a high proportion of stenosis at L4/5, followed by L3/4 and L5/S1. Results also suggest a high prevalence of multi-level stenosis at adjacent segments. The prevalence of mixed stenosis varied from 31% to 68.2%; inclusion of mild findings resulted in a higher rate of both mixed and multi-level stenosis, compared to analysis of moderate-severe findings only. These results may guide future studies on LSS pathophysiology, by focusing attention toward the most prevalent radiological findings.
Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) may arise from a breakage–fusion–bridge cycle

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21), involving amplification of the RUNX1 gene and duplication of chromosome 21, dup(21q), defines a new cytogenetic subgroup in B‐lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with a poor prognosis. Characterization of this abnormality has become vital to ensure that the most accurate detection method is used. We have previously defined common regions of amplification and deletion of chromosome 21 in these patients, although the level and extent of amplification within the amplicon was highly variable. This study, using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome 21 locus specific probes, substantiated these findings in a large series of patients and confirmed that the amplicon always included RUNX1. Thus, FISH with probes directed to the RUNX1 gene remains the most reliable detection method. Metaphase FISH, supported by G‐ and multiple color chromosomal banding (mBAND) revealed the patient specific morphology and genetic profile of the dup(21q) chromosomes, as well as the complexity of the intrachromosomal changes giving rise to them. These findings suggested that iAMP21 had arisen from a breakage–fusion–bridge cycle: a mechanism previously described in tumors, which we report for the first time in ALL. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effects of the peso devaluation on cross‐border retailing

Abstract Retailers in South Texas border cities were surveyed to determine the impact of the December 1994 Mexican peso devaluation on their sales and retailing mix strategies. Results indicate that sales consequences are strong, averaging a 41.8 percent decline, but vary by city, store type, distance from the border, and relative domestic market size. Adjustments to the retailing mix were primarily defensive in nature, aimed predominantely at reducing costs and conserving cash. Proactive changes to retain or increase business were limited. Reducing prices was the dominant aggressive tactic employed. Public policy initiatives are consistently seen as having a positive impact on the situation. Research results provide limited support for Clark's (1994) theory describing the impact of national boundaries on firm marketing strategies. The importance of relative distance from the border and relative market size is confirmed. The hypothesized consequences for firm level marketing strategies were not observed, .