Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Undescribable Events

We develop a model of undescribable events. Examples of events that are well understood by economic agents but are prohibitively difficult to describe in advance abound in real-life. This notion has also pervaded a substantial amount of economic literature. We put forth a model of such events using a simple co-insurance problem as backdrop. Undescribable events in our model are understood by economic agents - their consequences and probabilities are known - but are such that every finite description of such events necessarily leaves out relevant features that have a non-negligible impact on the parties' expected utilities. We also show that two key ingredients of our model - probabilities that are finitely additive but fail countable additivity, and a state space that is small (discrete in our model) in a measure-theoretic sense - are necessary ingredients of any model of undescribable events that delivers our results.
New Insight into the Species Barrier of Mammalian Prions Obtained from Structure-Based Conservation Analysis

Objectives: The structures of several mammalian prions have been determined by NMR; however, their transmission and evolutionary features are still unclear. The objective of this study is to explore species barrier information from their structures. Methods: In this study, we compared the functional domains (121–231) of 8 mammalian prions with structure-based conservation analysis using visual molecular dynamic software (version 1.8.5). Results: Residues 184, 203 and 205, which play important roles in modulating the transmission of prion diseases, were identified as a structure-conserved domain rather than sequence-conserved domain of mammalian prions. The phylogenetic tree was reconstructed based on structure conservation. The topology of the tree explains the species barrier during the transmission of mammalian prions which cannot be deduced by the sequence phylogenetic tree. Conclusions: These results suggest that structure-based analysis is more accurate and informative than sequence-based analysis in the study of prion transmission and evolution.
No Association between hOGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is one of the most common cancers in the world ([1][1]). In the United States, it is estimated that there was 37,200 newly diagnosed SCCHN cases and 11,000 deaths in 2003 ([2][2]). Tobacco smoke and alcohol use are the major risk factors for SCCHN
Antarctic Mesopelagic Micronekton: Evidence from Seabirds That Pack Ice Affects Community Structure

Through a multidisciplinary project (AMERIEZ), with an unusual complement of components, previously unknown temporal and spatial dimensions to the structure of Antarctic epipelagic and mesopelagic communities were revealed. In late spring, an abundance of crustacean species thought to occur only below 300 meters was detected in ice-covered surface waters. Evident in ice-free waters were the expected occurrence patterns of these normally nonmigratory mesopelagic organisms. Where the pack was consolidated and little light penetrated to depth, primary and secondary production was confined to ice floes, and the physical environment immediately beneath the ice was reminiscent of a mesopelagic one. This suite of characteristics possibly explains why the crustaceans resided at the surface.
GRIM-19 Interacts with Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain 2 and Serves as Downstream Effector of Anti-bacterial Function in Intestinal Epithelial Cells*

Nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) functions as a mammalian cytosolic pathogen recognition molecule, and variants have been associated with risk for Crohn disease. We recently demonstrated that NOD2 functions as an anti-bacterial factor limiting survival of intracellular invasive bacteria. To gain further insight into the mechanism of NOD2 activation and signal transduction, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening. We demonstrate that GRIM-19, a protein with homology to the NADPH dehydrogenase complex, interacts with endogenous NOD2 in HT29 cells. GRIM-19 is required for NF-κB activation following NOD2-mediated recognition of bacterial muramyl dipeptide. GRIM-19 also controls pathogen invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. GRIM-19 expression is decreased in inflamed mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. GRIM-19 may be a key component in NOD2-mediated innate mucosal responses and serve to regulate intestinal epithelial cell responses to microbes.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Protects Gastric Mucosal Cells against Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs*

Gastric mucosal cell death by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is suggested to be involved in NSAID-induced gastric lesions. Therefore, cellular factors that suppress this cell death are important for protection of the gastric mucosa from NSAIDs. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is up-regulated by various stressors and protects cells against stressors. Here, we have examined up-regulation of HO-1 by NSAIDs and the contribution of HO-1 to the protection of gastric mucosal cells against NSAIDs both in vitro and in vivo. In cultured gastric mucosal cells, all NSAIDs tested up-regulated HO-1. In rats, orally administered indomethacin up-regulated HO-1, induced apoptosis, and produced lesions at gastric mucosa. An inhibitor of HO-stimulated NSAID-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo and also stimulated NSAID-produced gastric lesions, suggesting that NSAID-induced up-regulation of HO-1 protects the gastric mucosa from NSAID-induced gastric lesions by inhibiting NSAID-induced apoptosis. Indomethacin activated the HO-1 promoter and caused nuclear accumulation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor for the HO-1 gene. Examination of phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and experiments with its inhibitor strongly suggest that the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and resulting up-regulation of HO-1 by NSAIDs is mediated through NSAID-dependent activation (phosphorylation) of p38 MAPK. This is the first report showing the protective role of HO-1 against irritant-induced gastric lesions.
Etude de synchronisation de chaos par simple injection optique

Nous presentons, dans ce manuscrit, une etude experimentale et theorique de synchronisation entre lasers a semi-conducteurs emettant a 1, 55 µm. Cette synchronisation est realisee sans l'aide de contre-reaction optique grâce a l'utilisation d'injection optique, c'est-a-dire au couplage unidirectionnel entre deux lasers : le maitre et l'esclave. Les differents lasers utilises sont caracterises de maniere classique (P (I), lambda (I), . ) puis par injection optique afin de determiner les differentes valeurs des parametres physiques intrinseques de ces lasers (dimensions geometriques, indice optique, gain interne, .). Nous reportons egalement l'observation experimentale de multi-excitabilite pour le laser a semiconducteurs injecte. L'impact de la coherence optique est montre dans le processus de l'injection optique. Des simulations numeriques, a partir d'un modele standard denomme de Lang et Kobayashi, sont detaillees dans leur different regime dynamique. Elles montrent un bon accord avec les observations experimentales, en particulier par l'intermediaire de cartographies dans l'espace «desaccord-puissance injectee». Ainsi nous mettons numeriquement en evidence la presence de larges zones de bistabilite, observees auparavant par Stephane Blin. Nous presentons, pour la premiere fois, des etudes de synchronisation de chaos. Le signal chaotique est ici genere de maniere originale, par une premiere injection optique. La synchronisation est, quant a elle, obtenue grâce a une seconde injection optique. Nous demontrons qu'il est possible d'atteindre experimentalement des indices de correlation de 96 %. Nous dressons ensuite numeriquement des cartographies de synchronisation de chaos ou nous mettons en evidence la presence de zones etendues ou l'indice de correlation peut-etre superieur a 90 %. Enfin nous terminons par mettre numeriquement en evidence et cartographier le phenomene d'anticipation de chaos pour un laser injecte, phenomene obtenu pour des indices de correlation superieur a 90 %.
Understanding return to work behaviours: promoting the importance of individual perceptions in the study of return to work

Purpose : The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and discuss how individuals' subjective perceptions of personal and environmental issues influence return to work behaviour. Method : A qualitative design utilizing in-depth interviews and maximum variation sampling of 11 individuals who either returned to work or withdrew from work after a health leave was conducted. Experiences elicited were analysed using the constant comparative method followed by a member check with participants to confirm findings and interpretations. Results : Findings underscored the importance of two key constructs in understanding return to work from the individual's perspective: the personal meaning of disability and return to work relevancy. Throughout the experience of getting better and returning to work participants reflected upon the impact of personal and external factors that contributed to their work disability, sought clarity of their performance capacities and examined the importance of work and the consequences of work disability within their life circumstances. Conclusions : Insights into an individual's perceptions of their impairment and the personal relevance of work can promote a better understanding of return to work behaviour. Integrating individual perceptions is essential to advancing a multidimensional approach in return to work research.
Disruption of the Cytoskeleton After Apoptosis Induction with Autoantibodies

F-actin cleavage was studied in PBMC after treatment with anti-dsDNA antibodies. Significant changes in F-actin disruption detected by decrease of FITC-phalloidin staining occurred after apoptosis induction with anti-dsDNA antibodies ( p<0.006). Despite of similar F-actin disruption, the switch of phosphatidylserine (PS) to the outer leaflet of the cell membrane as detected by annexin V binding was lower after anti-dsDNA antibody than without antibody treatment (58.4±11.0% vs. 81.9±7.7%). F-actin disruption was accompanied by activation of caspase 3 within the cytoplasm (r=-0.92599; p<8.87446×10-10) under both conditions with and without autoantibodies. These findings indicate that anti-dsDNA antibody-induced apoptosis is more marked within the cell than upon the cell surface. The diminished externalization of PS might result in a decreased phagocytosis. Thereby, the reduced clearance of apoptotic cells could induce autoantibody production possibly against epitopes which arise due to the apoptotic disruption of cells.
CD8 Cell Division Maintaining Cytotoxic Memory Occurs Predominantly in the Bone Marrow1

Long-term persistence of Ag-experienced CD8 cells, a class of T lymphocytes with cytotoxic function, contributes to immunological memory against intracellular pathogens. After Ag clearance, memory CD8 cells are maintained over time by a slow proliferation, primarily cytokine driven. In this article, we show that the bone marrow (BM) is the crucial organ where such basal division of memory CD8 cells occurs. BM memory CD8 cells contain a higher percentage of proliferating cells than their corresponding cells in either spleen or lymph nodes from C57BL/6 mice. This occurs both in the case of memory-phenotype CD44high CD8 cells and in the case of Ag-specific memory CD8 cells. Importantly, the absolute number of Ag-specific memory CD8 cells dividing in the BM largely exceeds that in spleen, lymph nodes, liver, and lung taken together. In the BM, Ag-specific memory CD8 cells express lower levels of CD127, i.e., the α-chain of IL-7R, than in either spleen or lymph nodes. We interpret these results as indirect evidence that Ag-specific memory CD8 cells receive proliferative signals by IL-7 and/or IL-15 in the BM and propose that the BM acts as a saturable “niche” for the Ag-independent proliferation of memory CD8 cells. Taken together, our novel findings indicate that the BM plays a relevant role in the maintenance of cytotoxic T cell memory, in addition to its previously described involvement in long-term Ab responses.
Test-retest reliability of auditory brainstem responses to chirp stimuli in newborns

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) to air- and bone-conducted chirp stimuli in newborns as a function of intensity. Design: A repeated measures quasi-experimental design was employed. Study sample: Thirty healthy newborns participated. ABRs were evoked using 60, 45, and 30 dB nHL air-conducted CE-Chirps and 45, 30, and 15 dB nHL bone-conducted CE-Chirps at a rate of 57.7/s. Measures were repeated by a second tester. Results: Statistically significant correlations (p <.0001) and predictive linear relations (p <.0001) were found between testers for wave V latencies and amplitudes to air- and bone-conducted CE-Chirps. There were also no statistically significant differences between testers with wave V latencies and amplitudes to air- and bone-conducted CE-Chirps (p >.05). As expected, significant differences in wave V latencies and amplitudes were seen as a function of stimulus intensity for air- and bone-conducted CE-Chirps (p <.0001). Conclusions: These results suggest that ABRs to air- and bone-conducted CE-Chirps can be reliably repeated in newborns with different testers. The CE-Chirp may be valuable for both screening and diagnostic audiologic assessments of newborns.
A proximal alternating linearization method for nonconvex optimization problems

In this paper, we focus on the problems of minimizing the sum of two nonsmooth functions which are possibly nonconvex. These problems arise in many applications of practical interests. We present a proximal alternating linearization algorithm which alternately generates two approximate proximal points of the original objective function. It is proved that the accumulation points of iterations converge to a stationary point of the problem. Numerical experiments validate the theoretical convergence analysis and verify the implementation of the proposed algorithm.
An exploratory study of information systems in support of employee empowerment

The notion of employee empowerment in today's organizations is becoming increasingly important with the growing degree of responsibility individual employees hold. This paper presents the findings of a longitudinal study which examined the relationship between computer-based information systems (IS) and empowerment in detail drawing heavily on empirical work carried out in the British manufacturing industry. The paper elaborates and discusses the conceptual issues which are relevant to the idea of empowerment and its relationship with IS, before determining empowerment to be in essence the decentralization of decision-making authority to lower levels of the organization. The lack of any research on this topic led us to carry out a combination of empirical research. A large-scale postal survey of 450 UK manufacturing companies followed by a series of 20 in-depth interviews in 18 top UK manufacturing organizations formed the basis for this paper. The findings confirmed that empowerment is indeed pursued by many UK manufacturing organizations within their various efforts at improving their organization of work. The research participants viewed IS as an important enabling tool for empowerment offering many opportunities, but clearly noted that the role of IS in this is supportive rather than initiating; IS do not lead to employees becoming empowered. However, the interviews revealed that manufacturing organizations are facing a wide range of problems and difficulties with their existing IS raising a number of constraints. The paper concludes with a number of practical suggestions for using IS as a supportive means for empowering employees.
Comparison of Wisconsin terrestrial isopods and their life cycle traits

Seasonal reproductive patterns for the 11 terrestrial isopod species found in Wisconsin are presented. The pattern of the most widespread species, Trachelipus rathkei, is examined hi detail through a series of paired north/south samplings which reveal a seasonal lag in the percent of females which were gravid in populations from the northern part of the state. A difference in sex ratio between north and south samples is reported.
CTLA-4 Genetic Variants (rs11571317 and rs3087243): Role in Susceptibility and Progression of Breast Cancer

Background Dysfunctional regulation at immune checkpoints may lead to escape of the tumor cells and gives a scope to set in the unresolved Breast cancer (BC). The major anti-tumor retort is cell-mediated response which involves T lymphocytes. CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein-4) with immune suppressive function and tolerance is associated with various autoimmune diseases and cancers including BC. The present study deals with CTLA-4 gene selected polymorphisms (rs11571317 C/T and rs3087243G/A) to explore their relation with breast cancer susceptibility and progression in BC patients. Methods For the present case-control study, we recruited a total of 570 women which include breast cancer patients and healthy control women from south India. Blood samples were collected, genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped by using PCR-RFLP method, and the data were analysed through suitable statistics. Results We observed a significant association of rs11571317 with BC in our study group, where CC genotype showed a three-fold increased risk towards BC and CT genotype to be protective. In-silico analyses strengthened our observation revealing the abolition of SP1 binding site in the CTLA-4 promoter by the mutant allele T. The CTLA-4 rs3087243 polymorphism showed an association not with the susceptibility but towards the tumor progression, where GG genotype was coupled with reduced tumor growth (OR = 0.01) and GA (OR = 6.2), AA (OR = 3.4) with increased tumor growth. The T-G haplotype was found to confer protection against breast cancer risk while C-A (OR = 3.6) and T-A (OR = 15.8) haplotypes were associated with disease progression. In-silico analysis for rs3087243 revealed change in threshold values between reference and variant sequences. Conclusion The study suggests varied roles of different polymorphisms of CTLA-4 in the aetiopathogenesis of BC. Understanding the mechanism may help in the CTLA-4 based immunotherapy for BC.
In vivo investigation of hepatic iron overload in rats using T2 maps: Quantification at high intensity field (4.7‐T)

In vivo quantitation of hepatic iron content is useful in diagnosis and staging of several iron related diseases. We used an experimental model of hepatic iron overload to determine the correlation between iron content and T2 relaxation time in rat liver. Experiments were carried out at 4.7T for high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) using a spin‐echo multiecho sequence with six echoes and minimum echo‐time of 5.5 msec. The liver iron content was determined ex vivo by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). T2 maps were calculated in order to evaluate the space distribution of the iron content. We found good linear correlation between the in vivo liver transversal relaxation rate and the iron content within the range explored (106–4538 μg Fe/g liver wet wt.). T2 maps revealed that the decrease in T2 is not homogeneous through the liver parenchyma. This finding represents a physiological limitation to obtaining better correlation between T2 and iron content. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:392–396. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamics of market orientation in Croatian economy * 1

It was the goal of this research to examine the dynamics of Croatian transformation to market orientation and test whether the market orientation model changes with time as the business environment changes. Based on the literature analysis, we proposed a hypothetical model which relies on behavioural approach in understanding market orientation. To empirically test the hypothetical model, we used data previously collected for 2001, and by replicating the same questionnaire now collected data for 2011. Data was analyzed by hierarchical regression analysis on the two sets of data. Our findings reveal that Croatian organizations reached the level of moderate market orientation leaving space for improvement. Findings also reveal that higher level of market orientation correlates with higher business performance. Furthermore, with development of ICT, the model of market orientation modified in time in a way that in predicting successful market oriented reaction, specific information on consumer satisfaction gains importance, while general information from competitor and consumer databases lose importance. Despite the changes in the relationships among the elements of market orientation, the model itself similarly predicts performance today as it did ten years ago. Managers are advised to increase implementation of market orientation especially focusing on market responsiveness as such behaviour will lead to better performance.
Fatty acid balance studies in term infants fed formula milk containing long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) are thought to be required for optimal nervous system development in the newborn. A commercial milk formula containing LCP (Aptamil‐LCP) with a fatty acid profile closely resembling breast milk, has recently been introduced for term infants. The absorption of fatty acids in term infants was examined in a double‐blind randomized controlled trial comparing Aptamil‐LCP (n= 20) and standard Aptamil (n= 20). Formula‐fed newborn infants were studied from birth for 14 d. Fat balances (3 d) were performed from d 10. A 3‐d stool collection was performed from d 10 in a parallel breastfed group (n= 21). Plasma samples were taken on d 6. Median fat excretion (mg kg−1) was 897.1, 615.0 and 355.2 with Aptamil, Aptamil‐LCP and breastfeeding, respectively. The median total fat absorption coefficient in Aptamil‐LCP‐fed infants was higher than in those fed standard Aptamil (p < 0:01). These findings were accounted for by differences in the excretion and absorption of long‐chain saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0 and C18:0). Higher fat excretion was associated with bulkier and firmer stools. Only trace amounts of LCP were detected in the stools of all groups. This accounted for less than 4% of dietary intake in Aptamil‐LCP‐fed infants. No differences in the utilization of LCP from Aptamil‐LCP and breast milk feeding were apparent. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition data reflected differences in dietary LCP intake. Thus, PL LCP levels were highest in the breastfed infants and lowest in the Aptamil‐fed infants, with values for the Aptamil‐LCP‐fed group falling in between.
Hopelessness Predicts Suicide Ideation But Not Attempts: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study.

Hopelessness is one of the most commonly cited risk factors for suicidal behaviors. However, several retrospective studies suggest that hopelessness, while strongly correlated with suicide ideation, does not distinguish attempters from ideators without attempts. This study is the first to utilize a prospective design to disambiguate the relationship of hopelessness to ideation versus attempts. Participants were 142 depressed patients followed up over 10 years. Hopelessness and suicidality (ideation and attempts) were assessed using validated questionnaires and structured interviews. Both retrospective and prospective analyses revealed that hopelessness was higher among those reporting any suicidality (ideation or attempts) compared with nonsuicidal individuals. However, hopelessness failed to meaningfully distinguish attempters from ideators in both retrospective and prospective analyses. Taken together with results from previous studies, our findings suggest hopelessness is best conceptualized as a risk factor for suicide ideation but not progression from ideation to attempts.