Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sequence of a cDNA coding for human IRF-1.

We have previously isolated and sequenced a cDNA clone encoding a mouse IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) (Miyamoto, M., Fujita, T., Kimura, Y., Maruyama, M., Harada, H., Sudo, Y., Miyata, T., and Taniguchi, T., 1988, Cell 54, 903-913). We have isolated a cDNA coding for human IRF-1 by cross-hybridization with the A28-8-derived mouse cDNA probe, using the Human T cell line, Jurkat-111 cDNA library. One of the positive clones, pHIRF31, contained the largest cDNA insert and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The cDNA includes 197bp of the 5'untranslated, 975bp coding and 863bp 3'-untranslated regions. The deduced amino acid sequence of the 325 amino acid protein, shows 83% homology with mouse IRF-1; The aminoterminal half, spanning from amino acid residues 1 to 140 are highly conserved (95%) in the two species.
Hysteresis in Unemployment: Evidence from 48 U.S. States

Studies using standard unit-root tests generally cannot reject the hypothesis of a unit root in unemployment rates. These findings have been interpreted as supporting the hysteresis hypothesis. We demonstrate that the failure to reject the null may be due to the low power of the tests. We analyze unemployment rates of 48 U.S. contiguous states using a more powerful panel-based test which exploits cross-section restrictions on the constituent series. The critical values are simulated tailored to our sample size. We reject the null decisively, casting some doubt on the hysteresis hypothesis for the United States.
Potential beneficial impact of angiotensin receptor blockers on arterial stiffness in hypertension.

Hypertension is highly prevalent worldwide and is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular and renal diseases. Accumulated results of clinical trials showed that strict control of blood pressure (BP) is essential to prevent target organ damage and to reduce cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive patients. In many countries, major antihypertensive drugs are calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics, and beta-blockers (including alpha/beta-blockers), according to the international hypertension guidelines (1-5).
Social Capital in Community-based Institutions: Trends and Emerging Lessons from Western India #

In many countries, community-based institutions (CBIs) are being promoted at the village level to take responsibilities for a variety of rural development activities. Management of the natural resources that are used by community members in common is one of the key areas for which CBIs are being promoted most frequently. Most government programs are emphasizing on adoption of participatory approaches envisaging participation of village communities through these institutions. Non-government organisations involved in rural development activities are also largely operating through CBIs. In some instances, CBIs have emerged without a direct assistance from government or non-government organisations and took responsibility of managing common property natural resources. There are several such examples of selfinitiated CBIs from different parts of India (see Kant et al., 1991; Singh and Singh, 1992; 1993; Sarin, 196; Poffenberger et al., 1996; Kant and Cooke, 1999; Conroy et al., 2000). These CBIs are expected to take increasing responsibilities in due course and become autonomous institutions in themselves. Thus, CBIs could be considered as emerging third-sector organisations that could provide a mechanism for self-reliant approach to development. However, this expectation could be accomplished only if the CBIs could become effective in managing resources through collective action.
Investor Information Demand: Evidence from Google Searches Around Earnings Announcements

The objective of this study is to investigate factors that influence investor information demand around earnings announcements and to provide insights into how variation in information demand impacts the capital market response to earnings. The Internet is one channel through which public information is disseminated to investors and we propose that one way that investors express their demand for public information is via Google searches. We find that abnormal Google search increases about two weeks prior to the earnings announcement, spikes markedly at the announcement, and continues at high levels for a period after the announcement. This finding suggests that information diffusion is not instantaneous with the release of the earnings information, but rather is spread over a period surrounding the announcement. We also find that information demand is positively associated with media attention and news, and is negatively associated with investor distraction. When investors search for more information in the days just prior to the announcement, preannouncement price and volume changes reflect more of the upcoming earnings news and there is less of a price and volume response when the news is announced. This result suggests that, when investors demand more information about a firm, the information content of the earnings announcement is partially preempted.
Muscle mechanosensitive reflex is suppressed in the conscious condition: effect of anesthesia

To test the hypothesis that a muscle mechanosensitive reflex is suppressed in the conscious condition, we examined the effect of anesthesia on the cardiovascular responses to passive mechanical stretch of the triceps surae muscle in six conscious cats. The triceps surae muscle was manually stretched for 30s by extending the hip and knee joints and subsequently by dorsiflexing the ankle joint; the lateral gastrocnemius muscle was lengthened by 19 ± 3 mm. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) did not change significantly during passive stretch of the muscle in the conscious condition. At 10–40 min after intravenously administering sodium pentobarbital (20–25 mg/kg), the identical passive stretch of the triceps surae muscle was able to induce the cardiovascular responses; HR and MAP were increased by 14 ± 1 beats/min and 14 ± 1 mmHg, respectively. In contrast, vigorous stretching skin on the triceps surae muscle elicited no significant changes in HR and MAP in the anesthetized condition, indicating that if cutaneous nociceptors and/or mechanoreceptors might be activated by the skin stretch, pain‐induced reflex cardiovascular responses would be inhibited by anesthesia. We conclude that passive mechanical stretch of skeletal muscle is capable of evoking the reflex cardiovascular response, which is suppressed in the conscious condition but exaggerated by anesthesia. This study was supported by a Grant‐in‐Aid for Scientific Research (B) from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
From Industry to Firm Resources: Resource-Based View of Competitive Advantage

The emergence of resource-based view of the firm in strategic management during 1980s has become a dominant framework and it shifts our attention from the industry to the firm level as a prime determinant of firms’ profitability. The theory is still in the evolving phase and its epistemology is getting richer day-by-day. The paper traces the roots of resource-based view, elucidates its economic logic and presents the critics’ views. In addition, the theory’s empirical assessment is presented and the methodological concerns of the research are discussed. Finally, its managerial significance is elaborated and a conclusion is drawn with regard to its contribution in the field of strategic management.
Autism spectrum disorders, maternal characteristics and obstetric complications among singletons born in Alberta, Canada.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether certain maternal characteristics and obstetric complications are associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. METHODS Provincial delivery records identified the cohort of 218 890 singleton live births in Alberta, Canada,between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2004. These were followed-up for ASD via ICD-9 diagnostic codes assigned by physician billing until March 31, 2008. Maternal and obstetric risk factors were also extracted from PDR. RESULTS Prevalence and incidence of ASD in Alberta are in line with those reported elsewhere and suggest recent increases in rate of diagnosis and/or incidence. Boys have 5-fold higher prevalence than girls. The peak age of diagnosis occurs at age 3 years. Relative risk modelling indicates that the risk of ASD is elevated among children of older mothers and those who experience specific pregnancy and birth complications. CONCLUSION Certain maternal characteristics and obstetric complications are associated with ASD in children. We identified lower rates of ASD and later age at diagnosis among children of Aboriginal mothers that requires further research.
Evaluation of air-particle abrasion of Y-TZP with different particles using microstructural analysis.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the effect of air-particle abrasion with different particle sizes on the surface roughness and phase transformation of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia ceramics (Y-TZP). METHODS Eighty-four Y-TZP discs of 15 mm diameter and 1.0 mm thickness were fabricated. The samples were divided into four groups (n = 21): (1) air-particle abrasion with 30 μm CoJet sand blast coating agent (CoJet, 3M ESPE); (2) 50 μm Al2O3 particles; (3) 110 μm Al2O3 particles; and (4) 250 μm Al2O3 particles. Each group was further divided into three subgroups each (n = 7) and treated for 5 seconds, 15 seconds and 30 seconds. Mean surface roughness was determined using a profilometer. The surfaces were analysed with a scanning electron microscope. XRD analysis was employed and the relative amount of the monoclinic phase was calculated. The results were statistically analysed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA, p < 0.05). RESULTS Air-particle abrasion with 250 μm Al2O3 particles for 30 seconds had the highest surface roughness (p < 0.001) and a significantly higher amount of monoclinic phase compared to air-particle abrasion with 30 μm, 50 μm and 110 μm particles (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Duration and particle size of air-particle abrasion affects the roughness and phase transformation of Y-TZP. Longer treatment times with larger particles may result in degradation of material.
STAT5 Induces Macrophage Differentiation of M1 Leukemia Cells Through Activation of IL-6 Production Mediated by NF-κB p651

We recently demonstrated that STAT5 can induce a variety of biological functions in mouse IL-3-dependent Ba/F3 cells; STAT5-induced expression of pim-1, p21WAF/Cip1, and suppressor of cytokine signaling-1/STAT-induced STAT inhibitor-1/Janus kinase binding protein is responsible for induction of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, respectively. In the present study, using a constitutively active STAT5A (STAT5A1*6), we show that STAT5 induces macrophage differentiation of mouse leukemic M1 cells through a distinct mechanism, autocrine production of IL-6. The supernatant of STAT5A1*6-transduced cells contained sufficient concentrations of IL-6 to induce macrophage differentiation of parental M1 cells, and STAT3 was phosphorylated on their tyrosine residues in these cells. Treatment of the cells with anti-IL-6 blocking Abs profoundly inhibited the differentiation. We also found that the STAT5A1*6 transactivated the IL-6 promoter, which was mediated by the enhanced binding of NF-κB p65 (RelA) to the promoter region of IL-6. These findings indicate that STAT5A cooperates with Rel/NF-κB to induce production of IL-6, thereby inducing macrophage differentiation of M1 cells in an autocrine manner. In summary, we have shown a novel mechanism by which STAT5 induces its pleiotropic functions. Cytokines
Human Resource Underutilization in an Era of Poverty Reduction: An Analysis of Unemployment and Underemployment in Ghana

: Unemployment is more prevalent in urban than rural Ghana, while underemployment is pervasive in rural Ghana. The paper analyses trends in these two forms of human resource underutilization and examines their major determinants. It is found that a positive association exists between the underemployment rate and the incidence of poverty in specific industries. The data supports the importance of demographics, education and firm sizes as major determinants of unemployment. Furthermore, these factors together with type of employment are the factors influencing underemployment. To reduce the level of unemployment and underemployment, the government should provide support for: (1) growth of private sector firms and informal sector activities; and (2) rural alternatives to agricultural activities. These implications are also relevant to other African countries trying to combat the twin problems of unemployment and underemployment.
Promoting Image and Identity in ‘Cultural Quarters’: the Case of Dundee

Many cities in recent decades have encouraged the arts and cultural sectors as a means of achieving regeneration outcomes. Such strategies have been followed particularly by cities with perceived problems in relation to image and identity, linked to the need to promote inward investment and tourism. One policy implication has been the designation of ‘cultural quarters’, as areas where a ‘critical mass’ of culture-related activity is seen as providing the basis for further related uses. Dundee's Cultural Quarter follows this model, but evidence so far raises questions as to the extent to which relevant policy is embedded within local identity, history and culture. This implies that such quarters may promote homogeneity rather than distinctiveness, and may therefore prove to be counter-productive.
To Comply or Not to Comply: Understanding the Discretion in Reporting Public Float and SEC Regulations

This paper documents how firms exercise discretion in defining affiliates and reporting public float in response to SEC regulations. I find that firms with higher expected compliance costs under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 tend to classify more shares as affiliated and report lower public float. In contrast, firms issuing seasoned equity are less likely to underreport public float, possibly due to favorable regulatory treatment for large issuers. These incentives are weakened when future regulatory changes render float less important.
Effect of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and the apolipoprotein E polymorphisms on disease progression in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease

Genetic factors, such as apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphisms, are thought to play an important role in the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent association studies have suggested that the Val66Met polymorphism in the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene could play a role in the development of AD. To identify genotypic effects of the BDNF and the ApoE genes on disease progression in preclinical AD, we assessed morphological changes using serial magnetic resonance imaging during the preclinical period of AD in 35 individuals. When all subjects were analyzed as one group, progressive atrophy was noted in the limbic, paralimbic and neocortical areas. Individuals of the BDNF Val/Val genotype showed progressive atrophy in the left medial temporal areas, whereas the BDNF Met allele carriers showed additional changes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the precuneus. An interaction between the BDNF genotype and progressive morphological changes was found in the PCC. The noncarriers for the ApoE ɛ4 allele showed progressive atrophy in the bilateral medial temporal areas. In addition to changes in the medial temporal areas, ɛ4 carriers showed progressive atrophy in the PCC, ACC and precuneus. An interaction between the ApoE genotype and progressive morphological change was noted in the right medial temporal area. The present preliminary study indicates that polymorphisms of the ApoE and the BDNF genes could affect disease progression in preclinical AD and implies that the Met‐BDNF polymorphism could be an additional risk factor for rapid disease progression in preclinical AD.
Spontaneous formation of neutrophil extracellular traps in serum‐free culture conditions

Neutrophils play a critical role in the innate immune response. Recently, a new neutrophilic biological defense mechanism, termed neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), has been attracting attention. Neutrophils have been observed to release both lysosomal enzymes and their nuclear contents, including unfolded chromatin, which together trap and inactivate bacteria. The environment in tissues where neutrophils act is thought to be different from that of the blood serum. In this study, we assessed the effect of serum on NET formation. We found that neutrophils spontaneously form NETs in serum‐free cultivation conditions at early times. These NETs functioned properly to trap bacteria. Furthermore, we demonstrated that reactive oxygen species play a critical role in the spontaneous formation of NETs. These results suggest that the serum condition must be considered in studies on neutrophils, including the formation and mechanism of action of NETs.
LOH at chromosome 9q34.3 and the Notch1 gene methylation are less involved in oral squamous cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND Previous studies of oral carcinomas have shown that both loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and hypermethylation at chromosome 9q33 to 9q34.2 are frequent. The present study investigates the frequency of Notch1 gene methylation and LOH at 9q34.3 region. METHODS Gene promoter hypermethylation of the Notch1 gene was analysed by methylation-specific PCR and LOH was analysed using microsatellite markers. RESULTS We found LOH at 9q34.3 in three patients and methylation of the Notch1 gene only in two patients with oral carcinoma. CONCLUSION Comparing with the alterations at 9q33 to 34.2 regions, LOH at 9q34.3 and methylation of the Notch1 gene was less involved in oral squamous cell carcinomas.
Does Administrative Corporatism Promote Trust and Deliberation

How corporatist arrangements actually work has not been empirically demonstrated, despite the theoretical focus on interest intermediation. This article investigates whether corporatism affects trust and deliberation in state activities, using Swedish public administration as a case study. First, it is doubtful that corporatism directly promotes trust among citizens, but it very likely promotes trust within and between the represented organizations. Second, interest-group representation cannot be understood as a process of strict delivering of positions adopted in advance. Preferences are often transformed in discussions where other interests are involved. Furthermore, the case investigated here shows that the decision-making process within a corporatist arrangement resembles deliberation, rather than negotiations between "contesting interests".
Issues in setting health-based cleanup levels for arsenic in soil.

Health risk assessments often do not take into account the unique aspects of evaluating exposures to arsenic in soil. For example, risks from ingestion of arsenic in soil are often based on toxicity factors derived from studies of arsenic (soluble arsenate or arsenite) in drinking water. However, the toxicity of arsenic in drinking water cannot be directly extrapolated to toxicity of soil arsenic because of differences in chemical form, bioavailability, and excretion kinetics. Because of the differences between soil arsenic and water arsenic, we conclude that risks from arsenic in soil are lower than what would be calculated using default toxicity values for arsenic in drinking water. Site-specific risk assessments for arsenic in soil can be improved by characterizing the form of arsenic in soil, by conducting animal feeding or in vitro bioavailability studies using site soils, and by conducting studies to evaluate the relationship between urinary arsenic and soil arsenic levels. Such data could be used to more accurately measure the contribution that soil arsenic makes to total intake of arsenic. Available data suggest that arsenic usually makes a small contribution to this total.
Evaluation, Policy Learning and Evidence-Based Policy Making

The increasing emphasis on the need for evidence-based policy indicates the continuing influence of the "modernist" faith in progress informed by reason. Although the rationalist assumptions of evidence-based policy making have been subject to severe challenge from constructivist and post-modernist perspectives, it is argued that the attempt to ground policy making in more reliable knowledge of "what works" retains its relevance and importance. Indeed, its importance is enhanced by the need for effective governance of complex social systems and it is argued that "reflexive social learning" informed by policy and programme evaluation constitutes an increasingly important basis for "interactive governance". The expanded use of piloting of new policies and programmes by the current UK Government is considered to provide limited scope for evaluation to derive reliable evidence of whether policies work. There is a need for greater clarity about the role of evaluation in situations where piloting essentially constitutes "prototyping". More emphasis should be placed on developing a sound evidence base for policy through long-term impact evaluations of policies and programmes. It is argued from a realist position that such evaluation should be theory-based and focused on explaining and understanding how policies achieve their effects using "multi-method" approaches.
Growth, Adoption, and Use of Mobile E-Commerce

We document some early effects of how mobile devices might change Internet and retail commerce. We present three main findings based on an analysis of eBay's mobile shopping application and core Internet platform. First, early adopters of mobile e-commerce applications appear to be people who already were relatively heavy Internet commerce users. Second, adoption of the mobile shopping application is associated with both an immediate and sustained increase in total platform purchasing, with little evidence of substitution from the core platform. Third, differences in user behavior across the mobile applications and the regular Internet site are not yet so dramatic.
Are All Credit Default Swap Databases Equal?

The presence of different prices in different databases for the same securities can impair the comparability of research efforts and seriously damage the management decisions based upon such research. In this study we compare the six major sources of corporate Credit Default Swap prices: GFI, Fenics, Reuters EOD, CMA, Markit and JP Morgan, using the most liquid single name 5-year CDS of the components of the leading market indexes, iTraxx (European firms) and CDX (US firms) for the period from 2004 to 2010. We find systematic differences between the data sets implying that deviations from the common trend among prices in the different databases are not purely random but are explained by idiosyncratic factors as well as liquidity, global risk and other trading factors. The lower is the amount of transaction prices available the higher is the deviation among databases. Our results suggest that the CMA database quotes lead the price discovery process in comparison with the quotes provided by other databases. Several robustness tests confirm these results.