Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ELF magnetic fields increase amino acid uptake into Vicia faba L. Roots and Alter Ion movement across the plasma membrane

Vicia faba seedlings, subjected to a 10 µT 50 Hz square wave magnetic field for 40 min together with a radioactive pulse, showed a marked increase in amino acid uptake into intact roots. A more modest increase was observed with a 100 µT 50 Hz square wave. An increase in media conductivity at low field intensities from 10 µT 50 Hz square wave, 100 µT 50 Hz sine wave, and 100 µT 60 Hz square wave fields, indicated an alteration in the movement of ions across the plasma membrane, most likely due to an increase in net outflow of ions from the root cells. Similarly, marked elevation in media pH, indicating increased alkalinity, was observed at 10 and 100µT for both square and sine waves at both 50 and 60 Hz. Our data would indicate that low magnetic field intensities of 10 and 100 µT at 50 or 60 Hz can alter membrane transport processes in root tips. Bioelectromagnetics 23:347–354, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic constriction injury-induced nociception is relieved by nanomedicine-mediated decrease of rat hippocampal tumor necrosis factor

Abstract Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain syndrome that arises from nerve injury. Current treatments only offer limited relief, clearly indicating the need for more effective therapeutic strategies. Previously, we demonstrated that proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) is a key mediator of neuropathic pain pathogenesis; TNF is elevated at sites of neuronal injury, in the spinal cord, and supraspinally during the initial development of pain. The inhibition of TNF action along pain pathways outside higher brain centers results in transient decreases in pain perception. The objective of this study was to determine whether specific blockade of TNF in the hippocampus, a site of pain integration, could prove efficacious in reducing sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced pain behavior. Small inhibitory RNA directed against TNF mRNA was complexed to gold nanorods (GNR-TNF siRNA; TNF nanoplexes) and injected into the contralateral hippocampus of rats 4 days after unilateral CCI. Withdrawal latencies to a noxious thermal stimulus (hyperalgesia) and withdrawal to innocuous forces (allodynia) were recorded up to 10 days and compared with baseline values and sham-operated rats. Thermal hyperalgesia was dramatically decreased in CCI rats receiving hippocampal TNF nanoplexes; and mechanical allodynia was transiently relieved. TNF levels (bioactive protein, TNF immunoreactivity) in hippocampal tissue were decreased. The observation that TNF nanoplex injection into the hippocampus alleviated neuropathic pain-like behavior advances our previous findings that hippocampal TNF levels modulate pain perception. These data provide evidence that targeting TNF in the brain using nanoparticle-protected siRNA may be an effective strategy for treatment of neuropathic pain.
Generation Ex Vivo of TGF-β-Producing Regulatory T Cells from CD4+CD25− Precursors1

Previously we reported that TGF-β has an important role in the generation and expansion of human “professional” CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in the periphery that have a cytokine-independent mechanism of action. In this study we used low-dose staphylococcal enterotoxin to induce T cell-dependent Ab production. We report that TGF-β induces activated CD4+CD25− T cells to become Th3 suppressor cells. While stimulating CD4+ cells with TGF-β modestly increased expression of CD25 and intracellular CTLA-4 in primary cultures, upon secondary stimulation without TGF-β the total number and those expressing these markers dramatically increased. This expansion was due to both increased proliferation and protection of these cells from activation-induced apoptosis. Moreover, adding as few as 1% of these TGF-β-primed CD4+ T cells to fresh CD4+ cells and B cells markedly suppressed IgG production. The inhibitory effect was mediated by TGF-β and was also partially contact dependent. Increased TGF-β production was associated with a decreased production of IFN-γ and IL-10. Depletion studies revealed that the precursors of these TGF-β-producing CD4+ suppressor cells were CD25 negative. These studies provide evidence that CD4+CD25+ regulatory cells in human blood consist of at least two subsets that have TGF-β-dependent and independent mechanisms of action. TGF-β has an essential role in the generation of both of these T suppressor cell subsets from peripheral T cells. The ability to induce CD4+ and CD8+ cells to become regulatory cells ex vivo has the potential to be useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and to prevent transplant rejection.
Characteristics of proton NMR T2 relaxation of water in the normal and regenerating tendon

: The molecular behavior of water in apparent fractions of water proton density also varied with orientation: the fraction of the longer T 2 components was at its maximum at 54.7°. These results suggest that a simple two-compartment model could not be applicable to orientational dependency of the T 2 value of the tendon, and the well ordered water in the short T 2 relaxation component may show an elongated T 2 relaxation time that falls in the range of the long T 2 relaxation component at 54.7°. This hy-pothesis can explain both the narrower range of the T 2 relaxation time and the orientational dependency on the apparent fraction of 1 H density. Regenerating processes of the Achilles tendon were followed for 18 weeks by analyzing the T 2 relaxation time. There is only a long T 2 relaxation time component (21.8 to 28.0 ms) up to 3 weeks after transection. Biexponential relaxation is revealed at 6 weeks and thereafter, whereby (i) the T 2 relaxation times become shorter, (ii) there is anisotropy in the short and long T 2 values, and (iii) the orientational dependency of the apparent fraction of water proton density becomes evident with maturation of the regenerating tendon. From these results, the 1 H T 2 relaxation time of water might be used to monitor the healing process of collagen structures of the tendon non-invasively. [Japanese Journal of Physiology, 50, 569–576, 2000]
EU Cohesion Policy in Greece: Patterns of Governance and Europeanization*

The article employs a bottom-up approach inspired by historical institutionalism to examine the implementation of EU cohesion policy in Greece. Its objective is to identify the main characteristics of the Greek response to the multiple and mutating challenges of adopting novel policy goals, maximizing the effectiveness of a cluster of policies permeating sectoral lines and enhancing participation in policy-making. Contrary to expectations, it is found that EU influence does not manifest itself principally in the field of territorial relations, where the evolution of the Greek model has been dictated essentially by domestic forces, but in the domain of policy objectives, policy style and practices. In fact, the main policy tendencies exposed (centralism, technocratic policy-making and the proliferation of semi-autonomous structures operating ‘outside’ mainstream public administration) reflect a pattern of accommodation emphasizing managerial efficiency at the expense of participation.
THE LEAD-LAG RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUTURES PRICES AND SPOT PRICES: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE BASED ON THAI DATA

The aims of this paper are to investigate the existence of long-run relationship between spot and futures prices and to detect the short-run dynamic relationship between spot and futures prices in context of Thailand. The Unit Root tests, Cointegration tests, and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) tests are applied in this paper. The two products that were selected to study are RSS3 and SET50 index. The daily spot and futures prices of RSS3 and SET50 index were gathered since the first day of trading, on May 28, 2004 for RSS3 and on April 28, 2006 for SET50 Index, until May 31, 2013 to investigate the long-run and short-run relationships between the spot and futures prices. By applying Unit Root tests, all data series are found to be stationary at first difference. The Cointegration tests by both Engle-Granger and Johansen methods were applied, the results are the same which prove that there are long-run relationships between RSS3 spot prices and RSS3 futures prices and between SET50 index spot prices and SET50 index futures prices. The VECM tests were applied, and found that the relationship between RSS3 spot and futures prices is bidirectional. However, in case of SET50 index, the result shows that SET50 index spot return lead SET50 index futures return. The results of this paper provide benefits to both Thai and foreign investors and speculators who participate in the trading of RSS3 and SET50 index; they can hedge their exposure or speculate their returns more properly. Moreover, the rubber tree planters will also get the benefit from the results of this paper in designing their hedging strategy to prevent themselves from unfavorable price movement in the time of harvesting. Additionally, the corporations that sell or export rubbers and its related products and also the corporations that use rubbers as their main raw material can also use the result of this paper to properly construct their hedging program. In term of academic contribution, the result of this study will add more updated empirical evidence on the studies regarding Thailand’s futures market, which are considered to be limited at the present time.
Style Drift in Private Equity

We introduce the concept of style drift to private equity investment. We present theory and evidence pertaining to style drifts in terms of a fund manager's stated focus on particular stages of entrepreneurial development. We develop a model that derives conditions under which style drifts are less likely among younger fund managers. We also show ways in which changes in market conditions can affect style drifts, and differences for funds committed to early-stage investments compared to funds committed to late-stage investments. We find some evidence of a positive relation between style drifting and investment performance.
Molecular phylogeny of the major hylobatid divisions.

We describe DNA sequences for the mitochondrial control region and phenylalanine-tRNA from the four extant gibbon subgenera. In contrast to earlier studies on gibbon phylogeny that used other parts of the mtDNA, the control region depicts the crested gibbons (Nomascus) as the most basal group of the Hylobatidae, followed by Symphalangus, with Bunopithecus and Hylobates as the last to diverge. Our data show that the molecular distances among the four gibbon subgenera are in the same range as those between Homo and Pan, or even higher. As a consequence of these findings, we propose to raise all four gibbon subgenera to genus rank.
Brazilian Soybean Policy: The International Effects of Intervention

This paper examines the effects of the complex set of Brazilian soybean sector policies on the world soybean and products market. Brazilian policy makers have intended to encourage domestic crushing of soybeans and exports of processed rather than raw soybeans. Removal of the Brazilian policy set for the period 1960–78 is simulated with an econometric model of the world soybean market. The results indicate that the intervention objectives were not achieved. Moreover, the U.S. soybean industry has benefited from the policies.
The five central psychological challenges facing effective mobile learning

Web 2.0 technology not only offers the opportunity of massively parallel interconnected networks that support the provision of information and communication anytime and anywhere but also offers immense opportunities for collaboration and sharing of user-generated content. This information-rich environment may support both formal and informal learning. The increasing use of mobile technology affords additional opportunities to utilise this learning potential from any location and even when on the move. In this paper, we identify five important psychological challenges learners may encounter when using mobile devices for mobile learning. We argue that mobile learning theorists, practitioners and developers alike must be aware of the five challenges and aim to address them to maximise the potential of mobile learning. Practitioner Notes What is already known about this topic The educational potential of Web 2.0 technology is yet to be realised. , Mobile technology is becoming increasingly widespread and offers immense opportunities for learning. , Psychological theory and research has contributed to the characterisation and resolution of numerous applied problems in educational and technological contexts. , What this paper adds Identification of five important psychological challenges posed by the mobile learning experience. , A characterisation of the resultant skill set required by learners to maximise the potential of mobile learning. , Implications for practice and/or policy Learning tasks and materials should be sensitive to the five psychological challenges of the mobile learning experience. , To maximise the learning potential of Web 2.0 technology, learners must possess the appropriate profile of psychological (both cognitive and psychosocial) skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Distribution of the logarithms of currents in percolating resistor networks. I. Theory.

The distribution of currents, i b , in the bonds b of a randomly diluted resistor network at the percolation threshold is investigated through a study of the moments of the distribution P(i 2 ) and the moments of the distribution P(γ), where γ=-lni b 2 . For q>q, the qth moment of P(i 2 ), M q (i.e., the average of i 2q ), scales as a power law of the system size L, with a multifractal (noise) exponent ψ(q)-ψ(0). Numerical data indicate that q c is negative, but becomes small for large L
Altruism and Agency in the Family Firm: Exploring the Role of Family, Kinship, and Ethnicity

This article examines the relationship between altruism and agency costs in family business through an in–depth case study of a family firm. We found that altruism reduced agency costs in the early stages of the business, but that agency problems increased as the venture became larger and more established. Moreover, we suggest that altruistic behavior need not be confined to family and close kin, but may extend through networks of distant kin and ethnic ties. We thus present a more complex view of the agency relationship in family business than is often portrayed in the existing literature.
Wages, work, and unemployment

This paper provides new evidence on unemployment durations for individuals in Great Britain using a three state Markov framework in a competing risk setting and a nationally representative data set. The analysis is based on the premise that an individual's movements between labour market states can be represented by a Markov process. The modelling procedure combines the dynamic properties of the search approach to unemployment while using the labour supply decision at each moment in time in response to the expected wage to include participation decisions. Using this framework, we are able to determine the effect of individual characteristics, including the expected wage, on labour market behaviour. The model is estimated separately for men and women, and for young and mature workers, to investigate whether labour market behaviour differs for these groups. The validity of the Markov assumptions are tested using different model specifications, and changes in the model over calendar time are also presented.
An On-Demand Coherent Single-Electron Source

We report on the electron analog of the single-photon gun. On-demand single-electron injection in a quantum conductor was obtained using a quantum dot connected to the conductor via a tunnel barrier. Electron emission was triggered by the application of a potential step that compensated for the dot-charging energy. Depending on the barrier transparency, the quantum emission time ranged from 0.1 to 10 nanoseconds. The single-electron source should prove useful for the use of quantum bits in ballistic conductors. Additionally, periodic sequences of single-electron emission and absorption generate a quantized alternating current.
Inactivation of hepatitis C virus infectivity by human breast milk.

BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread through direct contact with blood, although alternative routes of transmission may contribute to the global burden. Perinatal infection occurs in up to 5% of HCV-infected mothers, and presence of HCV RNA in breast milk has been reported. We investigated the influence of breast milk on HCV infectiousness. METHODS/RESULTS Human breast milk reduced HCV infectivity in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was species-specific because milk from various animals did not inhibit HCV infection. Treatment of HCV with human breast milk did not compromise integrity of viral RNA or capsids but destroyed the lipid envelope. Fractionation of breast milk revealed that the antiviral activity is present in the cream fraction containing the fat. Proteolytic digestion of milk proteins had no influence on its antiviral activity, whereas prolonged storage at 4°C increased antiviral activity. Notably, pretreatment with a lipase inhibitor ablated the antiviral activity and specific free fatty acids of breast milk were antiviral. CONCLUSIONS The antiviral activity of breast milk is linked to endogenous lipase-dependent generation of free fatty acids, which destroy the viral lipid envelope. Therefore, nursing by HCV-positive mothers is unlikely to play a major role in vertical transmission.
Monte Carlo dosimetry of the Buchler high dose rate 192Ir source

In this study a complete set of dosimetric data is presented for the high dose rate (HDR) source from Amersham used in the Buchler remote afterloading HDR unit. These data have been calculated by means of the Monte Carlo simulation code GEANT taking into account the detailed geometry of the source. Absolute dose rate distributions in water were calculated around this source and are presented as conventional 2D Cartesian look-up tables. All dosimetric quantities recommended by the AAPM Task Group 43 report have been calculated. Quantities determined are: dose rate constant, radial dose function, anisotropy function, anisotropy factor and anisotropy constant. The dose rate distributions of the Buchler HDR source are compared with those of other HDR sources used in brachytherapy, showing that the differences are large in zones near the long source axis due to oblique filtration. These Monte Carlo simulated data in water can be used for clinical applications.
Firm external financing decisions: explaining the role of risks

Purpose - – The main purpose of this paper is to empirically examine how firm-specific (idiosyncratic) and macroeconomic risks affect the external financing decisions of UK manufacturing firms. The paper also explores the effect of both types of risk on firms' debt versus equity choices. Design/methodology/approach - – The paper uses a firm-level panel data covering the period 1981-2009 drawn from the Datastream. Multinomial logit and probit models are estimated to quantify the impact of risks on the likelihood of firms' decisions to issue and retire external capital and debt versus equity choices, respectively. Findings - – The results suggest that firms considerably take into account both firm-specific and economic risk when making external financing decisions and debt-equity choices. Specifically, the results from multinomial logit regressions indicate that firms are more (less) likely to do external financing when firm-specific (macroeconomic) risk is high. The results of probit model reveal that the propensity to debt versus equity issues substantially declines in uncertain times. However, firms are more likely to pay back their outstanding debt rather than to repurchase existing equity when they face either type of risk. Of the two types of risk, firm-specific risk appears to be more important economically for firms' external financing decisions. Practical implications - – The findings of the paper are equally useful for corporate firms in making value-maximizing financing decisions and authorities in designing effective fiscal and monetary policies to stabilize macroeconomic conditions. Specifically, the findings emphasize on the stability of the overall macroeconomic environment and firms' sales/earnings, which would result stability in firms' capital structure that help smooth firms' investments and production. Originality/value - – Unlike prior empirical studies that mainly focus on examining the impact of risk on target leverage, this paper attempts to examine the influence of firm-specific and macroeconomic risk on firms' external financing decisions and debt-equity choices.
Economics of nitrogen fertilization of eucalypts for pulpwood

Summary We evaluated the net present value and internal rate of return of investing in N fertilization of eucalypt plantations managed for pulpwood, particularly around the period of canopy closure. We found that, given our base case assumptions, N fertilization is currently profitable when applied to plantations expected to have a medium-to-high response in wood yield. Furthermore, even though our analysis was limited to pre-tax stumpage values, our results suggested that the investment would be profitable on a wider range of sites for many combinations of variables if there were favourable movements of key variables from current values within realistic ranges, for example, for wood value and the cost of fertilizer. However, actual growth responses need to be quantified more precisely for a range of conditions and care should be taken to select the most responsive sites to be fertilized. Estate-wide optimization of the investment and prevailing economic circumstances should also be considered.
The spectrum of vascular anomalies in patients with PTEN mutations: implications for diagnosis and management

Background: Mutations in the PTEN gene cause two disorders that predispose to cancer, Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba and Cowden syndromes. Some patients with a PTEN mutation have only macrocephaly and autism, but they may still be at risk for neoplasms. Vascular anomalies occur in patients with a PTEN mutation, but they have not been systematically studied or precisely defined. Method: We analysed the clinical and radiological features of the vascular anomalies in 26 patients with PTEN mutations who were either seen or had their medical records reviewed at Children’s Hospital Boston. Results: All 23 patients who had their head circumference measured were macrocephalic, and all 13 male patients who were fully examined had penile freckling. Vascular anomalies were found in 14/26 (54%) of patients: 8/14 (57%) had multiple lesions and 11/13 (85%) who had cross-sectional imaging had intramuscular vascular lesions. Radiographic studies showed that 12/14 (86%) were fast-flow vascular anomalies, and angiography typically showed focal segmental dilatation of draining veins. Excessive ectopic fat in the vascular anomalies was present in 11/12 (92%) of patients on CT or MRI. Intracranial developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) were found in 8/9 (89%) of patients who had brain MRI with contrast. Conclusions: Vascular anomalies in patients with a PTEN mutation are typically multifocal intramuscular combinations of fast-flow channels and ectopic fat. Cerebral DVAs are very common. PTEN mutational analysis should be considered for all macrocephalic patients with fast-flow vascular anomalies or multiple intracranial DVAs.