Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Promoters for the Murine and Human P-selectin Genes Suggests Species-specific and Conserved Mechanisms for Transcriptional Regulation in Endothelial Cells*

P-selectin, an adhesion receptor for leukocytes, is constitutively expressed in megakaryocytes and endothelial cells. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increases synthesis of P-selectin in murine but not in human endothelial cells. To identify potential species-specific and conserved mechanisms for regulation of expression of P-selectin, we cloned the 5′-flanking region of the murine P-selectin gene and compared its features with those previously reported for the human gene. The murine and human genes shared conserved Stat-like, Hox, Ets, GATA, and GT-IIC elements. In the murine gene, a conserved GATA element bound to GATA-2 and functioned as a positive regulatory element, whereas a conserved Ets element bound to GA-binding protein and functioned as a negative regulatory element. Significantly, the murine P-selectin gene had several features not found in the human gene. These included an insertion from −987 to −649 that contained tandem GATA and tandem AP1-like sequences, which resembled enhancers in β-globin locus control regions. Both tandem elements bound specifically to nuclear proteins. The murine gene lacked the unique κB site specific for p50 or p52 homodimers found in the human gene. Instead, it contained two tandem κB elements and a variant activating transcription factor/cAMP response element site, which closely resembled sites in the E-selectin gene that are required for TNF-α- or LPS-inducible expression. TNF-α or LPS augmented expression of a reporter gene driven by the murine, but not the human, P-selectin promoter in transfected endothelial cells. Deletional analysis of the murine 5′-flanking region revealed several sequences that were required for either constitutive or inducible expression. These data suggest that both species-specific and conserved mechanisms regulate transcription of the human and murine P-selectin genes.
Political embeddedness and corporate strategies in China

This dissertation aims to investigate how political embeddedness influences firms’ strategies such as financial and non-financial reporting and internationalization. I have identified whether and how political embeddedness (i.e., government ownership and political connections, both at the central and the local level) affects corporate reporting strategies, particularly in light of the recent policy changes regarding the financial and non-financial reporting of firms in China. In addition, considering the recent government programs that were introduced to facilitate Chinese IFDI and OFDI, I have investigated the effect of political embeddedness on Chinese firms’ internationalization strategies as well. Specifically, Chapters 2-4 examine the influence of political embeddedness on firms’ use of earnings management, CSR reporting, and the propensity to internationalize, respectively.
Welfare implications of inflation on Turkish economy

iii ÖZET . iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v TABLE OF CONTENTS . vi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 CHAPTER 2: BACKGROUND.4 2.1 Inflation and Welfare.4 2.2. Calculation of the Welfare Cost of Inflation . 6 2.3. Money Demand Estimations for Turkey . 8 2.3.1. Cagan Money Demand Estimation.8 2.3.2. Other Money Demand Estimations . 9 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY AND DATA . 11 3.1 Methodology.11 3.2 Data.15 CHAPTER 4: EMPIRICAL FINDINGS . 18 4.1 Verification of the Suitability of Turkish Data to Cagan Model Specifications . 19 4.2 Estimating the Relation Between Real Balances and Inflation . 22 4.3 Calculating the Welfare Implication of Change in Inflation . 24 CHAPTER 5: WELFARE IMPLICATIONS OF DISINFLATION.27 5.1 Turkish Banking Sector and Welfare Changes.27 5.2 Real Sector and Welfare Changes . 31 5.3 Income Distribution and Welfare Changes . 34 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION . 37 BIBLIOGRAPHY.39 APPENDICES.42
Overprescribing of lipid lowering agents

Background: Undertreatment of hyperlipidemia has received considerable attention. However, little is known about trends in overprescribing of lipid lowering agents. We examined these trends and their associations with physician, practice, and organisational factors. Methods: 2034 physicians were surveyed twice: baseline (1996–7) and follow up (1998–9). On each occasion they were asked: “For what percentage of 50 year old men without other cardiac risk factors would you recommend an oral agent for total cholesterol of 240, LDL 150, and HDL 50 after 6 months on a low cholesterol diet? ” During the survey period the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines did not recommend prescribing for these patients. Binomial and multinomial logistic regressions assessed baseline overprescribing and longitudinal changes in overprescribing, accounting for complex sampling. Results: 39% of physicians recommended prescribing at baseline (round 1), increasing at follow up (round 2) to 51% (p<0.001). Physicians who were more likely to overprescribe at baseline were less likely to be board certified (odds ratio (OR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 0.63; p<0.001), were in solo or two-physician practices (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.41; p<0.001), had more revenue from Medicare (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.17; p = 0.004) or Medicaid (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.18; p = 0.03), or were family physicians (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.58; p<0.001). Physicians with large increases in overprescibing were more likely than those with small increases in overprescribing to be international medical graduates (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.64; p = 0.011) and to spend more hours in patient care (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.26; p = 0.016). Conclusions: Overprescribing of lipid lowering agents is commonplace and increased. At baseline and longitudinally, overprescribing was primarily associated with physician and practice characteristics and not with organisational factors.
Importance-Performance Matrix Analysis (IPMA) Of Transport Disadvantage Variables on Social Exclusion in a Rural Context

Transport services are essential to support daily life. A lack of transport supply leads to the existence of transport disadvantaged (TDA) groups who are vulnerable to social exclusion, which happens when a particular group or individual is having difficulties to access certain activities that are considered normal in society. To tackle this phenomenon, the understanding of the influence of TDA variables on social exclusion is needed. The aim of this study is to analyze the influences of TDA variables on social exclusion in a rural context, with Cibeureum Village (Bandung Barat Regency) and Bunikasih Village (Subang Regency) as the study case. Both case studies provide different characteristics of accessibility. Partial Least Squares (PLS) Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is chosen as the method to analyze the influences of TDA variables on social exclusion. The PLS-SEM model is developed according to the social exclusion variable and four TDA variables, i.e., accessibility, individual characteristics, private vehicle existence, and travel behavior. IPMA is done after the PLS-SEM model is evaluated. The study reveals that among four of the TDA variables, accessibility has the most influence on social exclusion, hence interventions related to improving accessibility are needed to tackle social exclusion. More specifically, the provision of alternative modes is needed in both study areas, while in Bunikasih Village the cost of travel is also an important variable to consider.
The Relationship between Perceived Access to Finance and Social Entrepreneurship Intentions among University Students in Vietnam

Social entrepreneurship is increasingly gaining interest in developing countries for the great benefits of society. In Vietnam, the concept of social entrepreneurship is still quite new. Entrepreneurial intention is regarded as a useful and practial approach for understanding actual entrepreneurial behavior. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated model based on planned behavior to examine the direct and indirect effect of perceived access to finance on social entrepreneurial intention. The confirm factor analysis to study the latent constructs underlying determinants of planned behavioral theory, perceived access to finance and social entrepreneurial intention. Then, it applies the technique of structural equation modeling to explore relationships among latent constructs. There is no direct relationship between perceived access to finance and social entrepreneurial intention. Perceived access to finance only indirectly increases entrepreneurial intention through attitude towards behavior and perceived behavioral. This study focuses on the perceptual factor of financial access that affects entrepreneurial intentions. The study does not cover other in-depth issues of social entrepreneurship such as decision making, leadership, personality traits, social capital, and human capital. To establish an environment with a strong social entrepreneurial intention, a focus on developing perceived access to finance is an extremely important factor. This study also suggests that attitude towards behavior and perceived behavioral have a strong impact to social entrepreneurship
Extreme working hours in Western Europe and North America: diverging trends since the 1970s

"This article presents a political economy analysis of extreme work hours in 18 advanced Western economies since the 1970s. Empirically, it shows that the culture of long work hours has gained significance not only in the Anglo-Saxon but also in most Continental European welfare states. Theoretically, it provides an institutionalist argument against the neoclassical, or supply-side, point of view on the drivers of long work hours in post-industrial labour markets. It demonstrates that the choice to work long hours is not entirely, or even mainly, left to the preference of the individual. Instead, individual choices are constrained by labour market policies, collective bargaining institutions and new labour market structures, the pattern and trends of which do not necessarily follow the contours of the regime typology. Data on extreme work hours was compiled from the Luxembourg Income Study and the Multinational Time Use Study micro-data collections. "
Governance and Growth – a Case Study of Norwegian Whey Protein Concentrate Exports

In this article, we explore the global value chain (GVC) for whey protein concentrate (WPC 80) and permeate powder (PP) through a case study following the practicalities of the export of WPC 80 and PP from the Norwegian farmer-owned dairy cooperative, Tine SA. We follow processing, packaging, logistics and export administration. The study suggests that the value chain and the partnership between Tine and Arla Foods may be described as a “captive” global value chain were Tine is transactional dependent on the main actor, Arla Food Ingredients. We conclude by discussing some features of power relations in global value chains and the global markets.
A Virus-Like Particle-Based Anti-Nerve Growth Factor Vaccine Reduces Inflammatory Hyperalgesia: Potential Long-Term Therapy for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain resulting from inflammatory and neuropathic disorders causes considerable economic and social burden. For a substantial proportion of patients, conventional drug treatments do not provide adequate pain relief. Consequently, novel approaches to pain management, involving alternative targets and new therapeutic modalities compatible with chronic use, are being sought. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a major mediator of chronic pain. Clinical testing of NGF antagonists is ongoing, and clinical proof of concept has been established with a neutralizing mAb. Active immunization, with the goal of inducing therapeutically effective neutralizing autoreactive Abs, is recognized as a potential treatment option for chronic diseases. We have sought to determine if such a strategy could be applied to chronic pain by targeting NGF with a virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccine. A vaccine comprising recombinant murine NGF conjugated to VLPs from the bacteriophage Qβ (NGFQβ) was produced. Immunization of mice with NGFQβ induced anti-NGF–specific IgG Abs capable of neutralizing NGF. Titers could be sustained over 1 y by periodic immunization but declined in the absence of boosting. Vaccination with NGFQβ substantially reduced hyperalgesia in collagen-induced arthritis or postinjection of zymosan A, two models of inflammatory pain. Long-term NGFQβ immunization did not change sensory or sympathetic innervation patterns or induce cholinergic deficits in the forebrain, nor did it interfere with blood-brain barrier integrity. Thus, autovaccination targeting NGF using a VLP-based approach may represent a novel modality for the treatment of chronic pain.
Informal caring in late life: a qualitative study of the experiences of older carers.

AIM OF THE STUDY This study examined the experiences of informal carers who were aged 75 years and over. BACKGROUND It has been estimated that 13% of those aged over 65 years are providing some form of informal care. Although there is a substantial body of work reporting the experiences of informal carers, little attention has been paid to the specific situation faced by older carers. DESIGN AND METHODS Potential study participants were identified during one round of annual over-75 health checks carried out in one large general practice. Data were collected through personal interviews, which were transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach. RESULTS Fifty-eight carers were identified and 14 were approached to take part in the study. Of the 14 interviewees, 13 were caring for a spouse and one was caring for a sibling. There were 10 female and four male carers in the study (age range 76-92 years). Themes to emerge from the interviews were categorized under four headings: (1) the organizational demands and structure of the caring relationship, (2) informal support networks, (3) formal services and (4) the constancy of caring and the need for the role of carer to be recognized. CONCLUSIONS The over-75 health check may provide a valuable tool to identify older carers who are not known to care providers. This paper concludes that nurses can take a lead role in working with this group in three ways. Firstly, in identifying older carers; secondly, in developing strategies to assist older carers in their caring role and finally, in responding swiftly to crises that can develop among this vulnerable group.
Temperament and Satisfaction With Health Status Among Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Purpose Health-related quality of life is a subjective phenomenon shaped by personal attributes. Research has demonstrated links between temperament and health outcomes. Because temperament is relatively stable, it could function as a moderator of quality of life. This study examined relationships among temperament disposition and satisfaction with health status. Design The model developed by Sprangers and Schwartz was used to develop a secondary analysis of data collected in a cross-sectional, correlational study with stepwise linear regression analysis. Instruments used were MPQ (dispositions) and AMIS2 (health satisfactions). Setting Two rheumatology private practices and 3 rheumatology clinics. Sample One hundred fifty-three persons diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (mean age = 55.4). Findings Scores reflecting Negative Affectivity (intrapersonal orientation and perception) demonstrated significant positive correlation (r = .26–.58) with all health domain satisfaction scores (P < .001). Negative Affectivity and Positive Affectivity (interpersonal orientation) jointly predicted 8.2%–37.8% of score variance. Conclusion Temperament dispositions are associated with health-related satisfaction. Implication Assessment of temperament can facilitate early identification of potential problems in the 3 quality of life domains (meaningfulness, manageability), and comprehensibility, and is useful for selecting or designing tailored interventions.
Insertions generating the 5′RUNX1/3′CBFA2T1 gene in acute myeloid leukemia cases show variable breakpoints

Translocation t(8;21)(q22;q22) is a common karyotypic abnormality detected in about 15% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. The rearrangement results in fusion of the RUNX1 (also known as AML1) and CBFA2T1 (also known as ETO) genes, generating a 5′RUNX1/3′CBFA2T1 transcriptionally active fusion gene on derivative chromosome 8, but some cases with ins(21;8) and ins(8;21) have been observed. However, a detailed breakpoint characterization of the insertion events has never been reported. In the present article, we describe six insertion events among 82 (7.3%) AML cases characterized by the RUNX1/CBFA2T1 fusion. Using FISH experiments with appropriate bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) probes, we were able to perform a detailed molecular cytogenetic characterization of one case with ins(8;21) and five with ins(21;8). Our analysis revealed that insertions generating the 5′RUNX1/3′CBFA2T1 gene showed variable breakpoints; the size of the inserted elements ranged from 2.4 to 44 Mb. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The risk and refugee migration

This paper uses the experimental setup of Tanaka et al. (2010) to measure refugees’ risk preferences. A sample of 206 asylum seekers was interviewed in 2017-18 in Luxembourg. Contrary to studies which focus on risk aversion in general, we analyze its components using a cumulative prospect theory (CPT) frame-work. We show that refugees exhibit particularly low levels of risk aversion compared to other populations and that CPT provides a better fit for modelling risk attitudes. Moreover, we include randomised temporary treatments provoking emotions and find a small significant impact on probability distortion. Robustness of the Tanaka et al. (2010) experimental framework is confirmed by including treatments regarding the embedding effect. Finally, we propose a theoretical model of refugee migration that integrates the insights from our experimental outcomes regarding the functional form of refugees’ decision under risk and the estimated parameter values. The model is then simulated using the data from our study
Quality investing in the Indian stock market

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore whether stock selection strategies based on four fundamental quality indicators can generate superior returns compared to overall market. Design/methodology/approach The sample of stocks comprises the constituents of BSE-500 index, which is a broad based index consisting of highly liquid stocks from all 20 major industries of the Indian economy. Portfolios are constructed on the basis of quality indicator rankings of companies and the returns of these portfolios are compared with the overall market. Excess returns on quality based portfolios are also determined using OLS regressions of quality portfolio returns on market, size, value and momentum factor returns. Findings The results suggest that two of the four quality strategies, namely Grantham Quality indicator and Gross Profitability have generated superior returns after controlling for market returns as well as common anomalies such as size, value and momentum. Combining value strategies with quality strategies do not yield any significant gains relative to quality only strategies. Practical implications For investors looking to invest in the Indian stock market for a long term, this study provides evidence on the performance of some fundamental indicators that can help predict long run stock performance. The findings suggest that investors can distinguish between high-performing and low-performing stocks based on stock quality indicators. Originality/value This is the first such study to look into the performance of quality investing in the Indian stock market. As most quality investing studies have been focussed on developed economies, this paper provides out-of-sample evidence for quality investing in the context of an emerging market.
Altered expression of protein kinase C, lck, and CD45 in a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-dependent leukemic T-cell variant that expresses a high level of interleukin-2 receptor

The compound 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is extremely toxic to the P13 subclone of the Jurkat human T-cell leukemia line. By selecting for growth in the presence of TPA, we have isolated two TPA-resistant variants of these cells, P13-50 and P13-5/A8. Studies of protein kinase C (PKC) enzyme activity, immunoblot analyses, and assays for PKC mRNAs indicate that both of these variants express lower levels of PKC than do the parental P13 cells. We suggest that this protects them from the toxic effects of TPA. The P13-5/A8 cells are of particular interest because not only are they resistant to TPA toxicity but they actually require TPA for optimal growth. These cells have a more profound decrease in PKC expression that do P13-50 cells. In addition, P13-5/A8 cells display very little, if any, surface expression of CD45, a receptor-linked tyrosine protein phosphatase, and lck, a lymphocyte-specific tyrosine kinase. On the other hand, they express a very high level of interleukin-2 receptor. A model is proposed that suggests that these cells are dependent on TPA because they have defects in both the PKC and tyrosine kinase signal transduction pathways, and that TPA compensates for these defects by providing a strong stimulus to the residual level of PKC. This variant may be useful for studying the interactions between tyrosine kinase and PKC pathways in controlling the various functions of T lymphocytes.
Nonparallel Progression of Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Long-Term Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background/Aims: Left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction are key cardiovascular risk factors of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes of left ventricular (LV) structure and function in patients on long-term PD. Methods: Patients who underwent PD catheter insertions from January 2010 to December 2012 in our PD center were enrolled into this study. Cardiac structure and function of those patients were determined by echocardiography (4 times) at 12-month intervals. Patients' biochemical parameters, body mass index, blood pressure, urine output, ultrafiltration, and total fluid removal volume were collected. The use of antihypertensive drugs and active vitamin D3 was also recorded. Results: A total of 40 patients were included. After 3 years of follow-up, patients' PD duration time, LV mass/height2.7 (p = 0.580), interventricular septal thickness (p = 0.216), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (p = 0.216), and LV ejection fraction (p = 0.270) did not show significant changes during the follow-up. In contrast, the E/A ratio (p = 0.004) and e' (p < 0.001) were statistically decreased, and the E/e' ratio (p = 0.006) was increased. Left atrial diameter was increased (p = 0.008), but the changes in left atrial diameter index did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.090). Conclusion: Long-term PD patients maintain stable LV structure and cardiac systolic function, but cardiac diastolic function declines over time.