Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Nitric-Oxide Synthase Enhances Antigen-Induced Contractions and Increases Release of Cysteinyl-Leukotrienes in Guinea Pig Lung Parenchyma: Nitric Oxide as a Protective Factor

Nitric oxide (NO) in exhaled air is a biomarker of airway inflammation. However, the role of NO in the peripheral lung is not known. The aim of this study was to determine the role of endogenous NO in antigen-induced contractions of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized guinea pig lung parenchyma (GPLP). The contraction in this in vitro model of the peripheral lung closely resembles the corresponding response in human airways. Cumulatively increasing concentrations (10–10,000 μg/l) of OVA induced concentration-dependent contractions of the GPLP that were enhanced by the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NOARG; 100 μM), Nω-monomethyl-l-arginine (100 μM), Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (100 μM), and N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine (1400W; 1 μM). The enhancement induced by l-NOARG was reversed by coadministration with the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor (R)-2-[4-(quinolin-2-yl-methoxy)phenyl]-2-cyclopentyl acetic acid (BAY x1005; 3 μM), whereas coadministration of l-NOARG with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 μM) did not change the effect of l-NOARG alone. l-NOARG (100 μM) did not affect the cumulative concentration-response relations for either leukotriene (LT) D4 (0.1–100 nM) or histamine (1–30 μM). The NO donor NONOate (0.001–100 μM) was ineffective in GPLP but potently relaxed precontracted guinea pig pulmonary artery. Furthermore, l-NOARG enhanced the release of LTE4 and decreased the release of prostaglandin E2 induced by OVA. In conclusion, endogenous NO exerts an inhibitory effect on antigen-induced contractions in the peripheral lung. The action of NO apparently involves inhibition of the release of mediators rather than direct relaxation of airway smooth muscle. The findings support the belief that endogenous NO has a protective anti-inflammatory effect in the airways.
The sustainability of the supply chain for fresh potatoes in Britain

Purpose – In the context of increased interest in the sustainability of food supply chains, this paper aims to assess perceptions of the relative importance of economic, social and environmental factors as they influence decision making by growers, merchants and retailers, using fresh potatoes in Britain as a case study.Design/methodology/approach – Following exploratory interviews with key informants, a two‐staged survey of 240 potato growers, 17 potato merchants, and four retailers was carried out to assess perceptions of sustainability. Data analysis used a range of non‐parametric statistical methods.Findings – Economic and related market factors associated with staying in business and maintaining competitive advantage were the dominant concern for all supply chain participants. Greater importance, however, is now given to social and environmental factors both as influences on decision making and as indicators of business performance. The social capital of the supply chain, as it describes relationship.
Similar Evolutionary Trajectories for Retrotransposon Accumulation in Mammals

The factors guiding retrotransposon insertion site preference are not well understood. Different types of retrotransposons share common replication machinery and yet occupy distinct genomic domains. Autonomous long interspersed elements accumulate in gene-poor domains and their non-autonomous short interspersed elements accumulate in gene-rich domains. To determine genomic factors that contribute to this discrepancy we analysed the distribution of retrotransposons within the framework of chromosomal domains and regulatory elements. Using comparative genomics, we identified large-scale conserved patterns of retrotransposon accumulation across several mammalian genomes. Importantly, retrotransposons that were active after our sample-species diverged accumulated in orthologous regions. This suggested a similar evolutionary interaction between retrotransposon activity and conserved genome architecture across our species. In addition, we found that retrotransposons accumulated at regulatory element boundaries in open chromatin, where accumulation of particular retrotransposon types depended on insertion size and local regulatory element density. From our results, we propose a model where density and distribution of genes and regulatory elements canalise retrotransposon accumulation. Through conservation of synteny, gene regulation and nuclear organisation, mammalian genomes with dissimilar retrotransposons follow similar evolutionary trajectories.
Buyer–Supplier Contracts versus Joint Ventures: Determinants and Consequences of Transaction Structure

When a buyer firm and a supplier firm plan to transact, what factors drive their choice of mechanism to govern the relationship? Focusing on contract-governed versus joint venture–governed relationships, the authors present a theoretical framework that specifies the conditions that make one or the other form of relationship structure more appropriate. This study was designed to address potential limitations regarding measurement, financial consequences, and context in the extant literature. The authors employ measures derived from Standard & Poor's Compustat financial database and an overall measure of firm reputation to examine empirically differences in firm characteristics across the two types of relationships. To examine the financial consequences of relationship structure, the authors use event-study techniques that tie stock price reactions to the governance mechanism choice. The results suggest that buyers and suppliers are more likely to form a joint venture (versus simple contract) when (1) the supplier's degree of asset specificity is high, (2) monitoring the supplier's behavior is difficult, and (3) the supplier has a poorer reputation. The authors find that vertical joint ventures (between buyers and suppliers) are economically similar to contracts, to the extent that abnormal wealth gains go solely to the supplier firms. Horizontal joint ventures (partners are at the same level of the value chain), however, provide bilateral, synergistic wealth gains. The results suggest that buyers and suppliers can use joint ventures to reduce certain governance problems rather than to gain synergies.
Orbital Decompression: A Comparison Between Trans-Fornix/Transcaruncular Inferomedial and Coronal Inferomedial Plus Lateral Approaches

Purpose To compare two techniques of orbital decompression for Graves orbitopathy, that is, the inferomedial transfornix/transcaruncular approach and the inferomedial plus lateral coronal approach. Methods Comparative interventional case series. A retrospective review of 53 patients (94 orbits) with Graves orbitopathy operated on over a 9-year period was performed. Forty-nine orbits were decompressed by the transfornix-transcaruncular approach and 45 by the coronal approach. Data obtained for all patients included computed tomography scans of the orbits, Snellen visual acuity measurements, visual fields, Hertel exophthalmometry, color vision testing, subjective testing for diplopia in the cardinal positions of gaze, and direct ophthalmoscopic or biomicroscopic examination of the optic disc. Results The mean proptosis reduction was 4.37 mm with the transfornix/transcaruncular approach and 5.76 mm with the 3-wall coronal approach. The rate of optic neuropathy reversal was similar with both techniques (90%). Induction of new diplopia occurred in 13.6% patients operated by the transfornix/transcaruncular approach and in 16.6% patients who underwent decompression by the coronal approach. Conclusions The two techniques have similar effects on visual function and ocular motility. For the vast majority of patients with Graves who need orbital decompression, the coronal approach is unnecessary; the transconjunctival approach allows the same exposure to the medial, inferior, and lateral walls.
The deal : employment relations in growth-oriented, high-tech start-ups : an employee perspective

The aim of this thesis is to explore employment relations in young, growth-oriented, technology-driven (high-tech) start-ups. It takes a closer look at the exchange relationship between founders and their first employees in this specific context. At its core, the research is interested in employees motivation to work for a growth-oriented start-up and their understanding of the employment deal. The study uses the psychological contract as an analytical framework to gain deeper insights into individuals perceptions of this deal. The research is embedded within an interpretivist paradigm and includes eight case studies involving growth-oriented high-tech start-ups in Berlin and London. For each case, in-depth interviews with three full-time employees as well as the founder(s) were conducted. The findings of this thesis demonstrate that the employment deal in growth-oriented start-ups is a short-term, faith-driven contract, which differs substantially from the current understanding of the psychological contract. In contrast to the long-term or open-ended contract often offered by larger, more established organisations, this deal has a defined expiration date . Moreover, the findings challenge the current understandings on remuneration, relationship building and power dynamics within growth-oriented start-ups and add to the literature by offering a re-conceptualisation of the psychological contract. This thesis helps to inform prospective employees about the advantages and challenges of joining a start-up and encourages entrepreneurs to further tailor their management and compensation strategies.
Media Sentiment and Trading Behaviour of Different Trader Types Around Earnings Announcements

This paper investigates how the prevailing sentiment portrayed by the media influences abnormal net purchases of retail and institutional traders around earnings announcements in ASX200 constituent firms from 2009-2013. We find that media sentiment influences institutional traders into overacting to both good and bad earnings news measured using analyst forecast error. In contrast, retail traders are indifferent to the influence of media sentiment in either positive or negative unexpected earnings environment. Further analysis reveals that their trading decisions depend upon media sentiment solely. We also find that media sentiment complements the traditional measures of market-wide sentiment such as the consumer sentiment index (CSI) as it represents timelier information.
The effect of microfinance factors and opportunity on women entrepreneurs' performance in Tunisia

The performance of women entrepreneurs in their businesses has become an important area of recent policy and academic debate. Comparatively little rigorous and in-depth research, however, has been undertaken on the issues of gender and business performance, especially in Tunisia. First, this study analyze the relationships among microfinance factors, opportunity for entrepreneurial activity, and women entrepreneurs’ performance, and second, advanced the study by examining opportunity for entrepreneurial activity in mediating the relationship between microfinance factors and women entrepreneurs’ performance among 276 Tunisian women entrepreneurs. Structural equation modeling statistical technique was used to test the proposed theoretical model. The findings revealed that the opportunity for entrepreneurial activity did mediate the relationships between microfinance factors (credit, savings, training and social capital) and women entrepreneurs’ performance in Tunisia. This study also highlights the relationship between microfinance factors, opportunity for entrepreneurial activity and women entrepreneurs’ performance. The microfinance factors in this study have shown to have a very high positive significant influence on opportunity for entrepreneurial activity and also have considerable positive significant effect on women entrepreneurs’ performance.
Dividend Policy of the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) Industrial Corporations: The Evidence Revisited (1986-2007)

The study aims to find out whether the disappearing dividends, the decline in the number of dividend payers, the size effect and the increasing dividend/earnings concentration found in several developed and emerging markets exist among the industrials traded in the ISE. The study also analyzes the effects of the reinstatement of mandatory dividend policy in 2003. Using univariate statistical tests, we detect a size effect as well as a high level but stable dividend/earnings concentration. We find a significant decrease in the number of dividend payers, but we also detect an increasing level of real/nominal dividends driven by the high dividend/earnings concentration and the increasing level of earnings. The reinstatement of the mandatory dividend policy regulation in 2003 has not been successful in changing the payout policy of industrials.
Payday Lending: Do the Costs Justify the Price?

The payday advance industry makes small, very short-term consumer loans through an extensive network of storefront shops. Customer demand for this product appears to be very strong, and the industry has grown dramatically over the past decade. Yet many observers view the industry with suspicion. The fees charged on payday advances convert to very high annualized rates of interest (APRs). And the media (and others) circulate anecdotes about payday borrowers who renew their loans frequently and become burdened by the high associated fees. Some analysts claim that the industry could not survive without these chronic troubled borrowers. Yet it is difficult to understand the determinants of the industry's profitability because researchers have had very limited access to micro level data about payday advance firms. Using proprietary store-level data provided by two large payday lenders, we study store costs and profitability. We examine how profitability is related to the borrowing patterns of payday advance customers, default losses, and store characteristics. We also ask how profitability varies with local economic and demographic conditions. We find that fixed operating costs and loan loss rates do justify a large part of the high APRs charged on payday advance loans, and that a store's loan volume is a key determinant of its profitability. However, we do not find that loan renewals or loans from frequent borrowers are more profitable than other loans per se, although they certainly contribute to a store's loan volume. Finally, controlling for loan volume, we also do not find that economic and demographic conditions in the neighborhoods where stores are located have much of an effect on profitability, although they do slightly influence default losses.
Predictors of customer loyalty in the Pakistani banking industry: a moderated-mediation study

– The purpose of this paper is to develop an original framework to explore the effects of social influence (SI), market orientation (MO) and service quality (SQ) with moderating effect of emotional intelligence (EI) on customer loyalty (CL) and to discuss the mediational role of customer satisfaction. , – This study applies six original concepts – SI, MO, SQ, EI, customer satisfaction to develop an integral model to enhance CL. In addition, this research employs an empirical study by means of the questionnaire survey method to verify the hypotheses and to explore its managerial implications. Structural equation modeling has been applied to verify the research framework. , – The empirical results show that MO, SI and SQ significantly affect CL with presence of customer satisfaction as a mediator. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the direct relationships between MO and SI on CL are not supported. However indirect paths present full mediation except in case of SQ where mediation was partial. Moreover, EI was found to enhance the partially mediated relationship between SQ and CL with mediational role customer satisfaction. Hence, banks should invest resources to increase MO, SI and SQ to increase customer satisfaction and CL. , – This study summarizes the literature on customer satisfaction and relationship marketing into a new managerial framework of CL. It utilizes new arrangement of four construct – SI, MO, and SQ with EI – to develop an original framework to enhance CL. Although past research has highlighted the relevant issues about CL, none explores it with MO and moderating role of EI on SQ. Therefore, this paper develops the research framework of CL to fill the research gap specifically in Pakistani context.
SME ADOPTION OF WIRELESS LAN TECHNOLOGY: APPLYING THE UTAUT MODEL

Wireless network technologies present unique opportunities and challenges for businesses, and Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are no exception. Recently Vankatesh et al. (2003) proposed a more complete model for the understanding of the acceptance and adoption of Information Technology. Their model builds upon and extends beyond the well established Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This study utilizes this new Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to further validate the model and enhance our understanding of the adoption of wireless technologies as well as SME adoption.
Government Bonds and Their Investors: What are the Facts and Do They Matter?

This paper introduces a new dataset on the composition of the investor base for government securities in the G20 advanced economies and the euro area. During the last decades, investors from abroad have increased their presence in government bond markets. The financial crisis broke this trend. Domestic financial institutions allocated a larger share of government securities in their portfolios, as Japan has done since its crisis in the 1990s. Increases in the share held by institutional investors or non-residents by 10 percentage points are associated with a reduction in yields by about 25 or 40 basis points, respectively. The data show a varied lead-lag relationship between bond yields and investor holdings. Portfolio balance estimates suggest that a change in statutory or regulatory holdings of government securities to the tune of 10 percent of the outstanding stock causes expected returns to decline by 7 to 25 basis points.
Nifedipine Suppresses Self-Injurious Behaviors in Animals

Self-injurious behavior is a common problem in many developmental disorders. The neurobiology of this behavior is not well understood, but the differing behavioral manifestations and associations with different disorders suggest that the underlying biological mechanisms are heterogeneous. The behavioral and biological heterogeneity is also evident in several animal models, where different manifestations can be provoked under different experimental conditions. Identifying commonalities among the different mechanisms is likely to be helpful in the design of treatments useful for the broadest populations of patients. The current studies reveal that nifedipine suppresses self-injurious behavior in 4 unrelated animal models: acute administration of high doses of ±BayK 8644 or methamphetamine in mice, dopamine agonist treatment in rats with lesions of dopamine pathways during early development and repeated administration of pemoline in rats. The effect of nifedipine does not appear to be due to nonspecific mechanisms, such as sedation, since other classes of behaviors are unaffected or exaggerated. These results suggest that nifedipine may target a common biological mechanism in the expression of self-injurious behavior, and they suggest it should be considered in the treatment of self-injury in humans.
The Dynamics within Merger Waves - Evidence from Industry Merger Waves of the 1990s

The objective of this study is to investigate the dynamics within merger waves. For a sample of 1025 bids that occur in 18 industry merger waves, we measure how the returns to bidders and rivals change, as a wave is ongoing. In the first half of a wave, bidders (rivals) experience an average abnormal return of 1.5562% (0.3124%), however at late wave stages the return decreases to -1.1079% (-0.1244%). This wave effect is robust across subsamples of bids and holds in regressions that use different variables to capture the effect and control for bidder and deal characteristics.
Adjuncts to thrombolysis for myocardial reperfusion.

OBJECTIVE To discuss adjunctive pharmacologic agents for acute myocardial infarction, to critique their initial effects in clinical trials, and to review their potential for improving the clinical conditions of patients with acute myocardial infarction. DATA SOURCES Relevant studies reported from January 1985 to December 1990 were identified through a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature and through a manual search of the bibliographies of all identified articles. STUDY SELECTION Peer-reviewed experimental and clinical studies evaluating the role of pharmacologic adjuncts to thrombolytic therapy in experimental models of coronary occlusion and clinical trials of patients with acute myocardial infarction were selected for review. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The data presented were abstracted by the investigators. Differences with a univariate P value of less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Current clinical data suggest that adjunctive pharmacologic therapy to thrombolytic agents should include aspirin, at least 160 mg administered as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms; intravenous heparin; and, in selected patients without contraindications, intravenous beta-blockading agents.
Lack of bioequivalence between two methylphenidate extended modified release formulations in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE To assess bioequivalence between Equasym Retard and Medikinet retard containing 20 mg methylphenidate (MPH) hydrochloride in a fed state. MATERIALS Equasym Retard 20 mg capsules (UCB, Monheim, Germany) and Medikinet retard 20 mg capsules (Medice, Iserlohn, Germany). METHODS This was an open, single-center, randomized, 2-period, 2-sequence, balanced cross-over study with a wash-out period of 1 week between administrations in 14 healthy male and female volunteers, aged 18 - 45 years. Blood samples were collected over 24 hours and methylphenidate plasma concentration-time data were used to calculate pharmacokinetic metrics for both formulations. The main metrics were AUC0-t and Cmax. Bioequivalence was concluded if the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the ratio between test and reference was 80 - 125% (AUC0-t, Cmax). RESULTS All dosed subjects finished both treatment periods and were included in pharmacokinetic and safety analyses. The adverse events observed, mainly nervous system disorders (headache), were all mild or moderate in intensity and resolved without any action taken. The adverse event profile was consistent with the currently applicable SmPCs (Summaries of Product Characteristics) for Equasym Retard and Medikinet retard. Geometric means +/- SD for AUC0-t and Cmax were 35.5 +/- 10.1 ng x h/ml and 4.05 +/- 0.96 ng/ml (Equasym Retard) and 39.2 +/- 13.8 ng x h/ml and 5.26 +/- 2.11 ng/ml (Medikinet retard). The 90% geometric confidence interval for AUC0-t (extent of absorption) was within limits accepted for bioequivalence. Bioequivalence could not be demonstrated for the rate of bioavailability (Cmax); both the lower confidence limit and the point estimate were below 80% of the reference. The study has shown that both formulations lead to a similar pattern of absorption and elimination following single dose administration in the fed state, although the test formulation shows a somewhat slimmer profile, where the first peak is less pronounced. No bioequivalence could be shown within the first 4 hours. The second peak of the test was also lower than the one of the reference (both lower confidence limit and point estimate below 80%). CONCLUSIONS The two formulations are not bioequivalent, especially if the rate and values within the first four hours after administration are taken into account.