Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Financial Information in Decision Making Process

Accounting information system prepare the whole range of different for different users. We can measure and examine the business quality of the entire comapany on the basis of accounting and financial information. In that context we exemine true and fair presentation of financial position and business efficiency. Succesful business is the business operation that results for quite a long period in corresponding level of security and efficiency of business. Security of business is exemined, first of all, on the basis of a balance sheet and efficiency on the basis of the profit and loss account. The condensed statement of security an efficiency of business is registered by financial ratios. Accordingly, financial ratios can be examined in the context of measuring business quality. By defining the current business quality rate some significant presumptions are made for the development and exisence of the company on the market. In that context we can stress that financial information can be very useful in estimating the current business quality and creating assumption for more successful business in the future.
The safety of istradefylline for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Introduction: Antagonism of the A2A receptor improves motor behavior in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to results of clinical studies which confirm findings of previous experimental research. The xanthine derivative, istradefylline, has the longest half-life out of the available A2A receptor antagonists. Istradefylline easily crosses the blood–brain barrier and shows a high affinity to the human A2A receptor. Areas covered: This narrative review aims to discuss the safety and tolerability of istradefylline against the background of the currently available drug portfolio for the treatment of PD patients. Expert opinion: Istradefylline was safe and well tolerated in clinical trials, which have focused on l-DOPA-treated PD patients. The future of istradefylline as a complementary drug for modulation of the dopaminergic neurotransmission also relies on its potential to act like an l-DOPA plus dopamine agonist sparing future treatment alternative and to reduce the risk of predominant l-DOPA-related onset of motor complications in addition to its direct ameliorating effect on motor symptoms. Dopamine-substituting drugs may dose-dependently produce systemic side effects, particularly onset of hypotension and nausea by peripheral dopamine receptor stimulation. Istradefylline does not interfere with these peripheral receptors and therefore shows a good safety and tolerability profile.
Analysis of Australian fur seal diet by pyrosequencing prey DNA in faeces

DNA‐based techniques have proven useful for defining trophic links in a variety of ecosystems and recently developed sequencing technologies provide new opportunities for dietary studies. We investigated the diet of Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) by pyrosequencing prey DNA from faeces collected at three breeding colonies across the seals’ range. DNA from 270 faecal samples was amplified with four polymerase chain reaction primer sets and a blocking primer was used to limit amplification of fur seal DNA. Pooled amplicons from each colony were sequenced using the Roche GS‐FLX platform, generating > 20 000 sequences. Software was developed to sort and group similar sequences. A total of 54 bony fish, 4 cartilaginous fish and 4 cephalopods were identified based on the most taxonomically informative amplicons sequenced (mitochondrial 16S). The prevalence of sequences from redbait (Emmelichthys nitidus) and jack mackerel (Trachurus declivis) confirm the importance of these species in the seals’ diet. A third fish species, blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus), may be a more important prey species than previously recognised. There were major differences in the proportions of prey DNA recovered in faeces from different colonies, probably reflecting differences in prey availability. Parallel hard‐part analysis identified largely the same main prey species as did the DNA‐based technique, but with lower species diversity and no remains from cartilaginous prey. The pyrosequencing approach presented significantly expands the capabilities of DNA‐based methods of dietary analysis and is suitable for large‐scale diet investigations on a broad range of animals.
Well-being and health behaviour by parental socioeconomic status: a follow-up study of adolescents aged 16 until age 32 years.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of parental socioeconomic status (SES) on subjects' well-being and health behaviour in adolescence, early adulthood and adulthood, and whether these impacts remained after controlling for the person's own SES. METHODS All 16-year-old ninth-grade school pupils of one Finnish city completed questionnaires at school. Subjects were followed up using postal questionnaires when aged 22 and 32 years. RESULTS Females of manual class origin had lower self-esteem and more distress symptoms from adolescence to adulthood than those from a non-manual background. Lower self-esteem was found among males from manual class families in adolescence and early adulthood. In both genders, no significant class differences were found in depression, health status or prevalence of chronic illness. Unhealthier behaviours regarding smoking and physical activity were more prevalent among both genders of manual class origin, and females of this group had higher rates of overweight and higher body mass index scores. After controlling for the person's own SES, the effect of parental SES diminished but remained significant for smoking in both genders and for physical activity in males up to 22 years, and for self-esteem and BMI in females up to 32. CONCLUSIONS This follow-up study contributes to the health inequality debate investigating parental SES differences in health behaviour and somatic health, and particularly in psychological health, which is relatively rarely investigated. The results indicate that parental SES has effects on early adult and adult well-being and health behaviour other than those mediated by current SES.
Voltage‐clamp analysis of the potentiation of the slow Ca2+‐activated K+ current in hippocampal pyramidal neurons

Exploring the principles that govern activity‐dependent changes in excitability is an essential step to understand the function of the nervous system, because they act as a general postsynaptic control mechanism that modulates the flow of synaptic signals. We show an activity‐dependent potentiation of the slow Ca2+‐activated K+ current (sIAHP) which induces sustained decreases in the excitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons. We analyzed the sIAHP using the slice technique and voltage‐clamp recordings with sharp or patch‐electrodes. Using sharp electrodes‐repeated activation with depolarizing pulses evoked a prolonged (8‐min) potentiation of the amplitude (171%) and duration (208%) of the sIAHP. Using patch electrodes, early after entering the whole‐cell configuration (<20 min), responses were as those reported above. However, although the sIAHP remained unchanged, its potentiation was markedly reduced in later recordings, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms were rapidly eliminated by intracellular dialysis. Inhibition of L‐type Ca2+ current by nifedipine (20 μM) markedly reduced the sIAHP (79%) and its potentiation (55%). Ryanodine (20 μM) that blocks the release of intracellular Ca2+ also reduced sIAHP (29%) and its potentiation (25%). The potentiation of the sIAHP induced a marked and prolonged (>50%; ≈8 min) decrease in excitability. The results suggest that sIAHP is potentiated as a result of an increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) following activation of voltage‐gated L‐type Ca2+ channels, aided by the subsequent release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Another possibility is that repeated activation increases the Ca2+‐binding capacity of the channels mediating the sIAHP. This potentiation of the sIAHP could be relevant in hippocampal physiology, because the changes in excitability it causes may regulate the induction threshold of the long‐term potentiation of synaptic efficacy. Moreover, the potentiation would act as a protective mechanism by reducing excitability and preventing the accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ to toxic levels when intense synaptic activation occurs. Hippocampus 10:198–206, 2000 © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dietitian-led education program to improve phosphate control in a single-center hemodialysis population.

OBJECTIVE We sought to analyze the effect of a structured, dietitian-led education program on patients' general knowledge of phosphate and phosphate binders, and its impact on serum phosphate concentrations in a single-center hemodialysis population. DESIGN We compared subjects before and after intervention. SETTING This study involved two dialysis units operated by a single center. PATIENTS One hundred and fifteen hemodialysis patients consented to participate in this study (54% male; mean age, 61.1 years; 32% Asian). Patients acted as their own controls. One hundred and eight patients completed the study. INTERVENTION All patients completed a questionnaire to assess their knowledge of phosphate and phosphate-binder therapy. Small group teaching sessions were then delivered to patients by a single dietitian, with the aid of a hospital interpreter as required. Patients also received information booklets or audio cassettes translated into Urdu. A second identical questionnaire was completed a month later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcome measures involved pre-education and posteducation knowledge scores, monthly measurements of serum phosphate, calcium, and mean Kt/V, and parathyroid hormone concentrations every 3 months during the 5 month run-in period and subsequent 5-month study period. RESULTS The education program significantly improved patients' general knowledge of phosphate and of phosphate-binders (P < .001), especially in patients with a low pretest score and those of South Asian origin. This result was associated with a significant reduction in serum phosphate in patients with hyperphosphatemia (P = .032). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that a combination of educational initiatives is effective in enhancing patients' knowledge of phosphate and phosphate-binders, and consequently in improving serum phosphate levels in patients with hyperphosphatemia.
Optimal Dynamic Momentum Strategies

Path Dependence of Optimal Dynamic Momentum Strategies The momentum effect has been studied by a tremendous number of papers, but surprisingly, there is little research on optimal momentum strategies. In “Optimal Dynamic Momentum Strategies,” Li and Liu explicitly solve the optimal dynamic portfolio problem when a risky asset has momentum. They show that, to optimally exploit momentum, one needs to account for path dependence, as well as momentum. In contrast, the momentum strategies discussed in most papers exploit only momentum. The optimal portfolio weight also significantly differs from that in the classic framework of Merton. Due to their path dependence, optimal portfolio weights have a wide distribution for a given level of momentum; for example, investors may short the risky asset if it has rebound price paths but leverage if it has hump-shaped price paths. This effect tends to be the most significant after large price swings. Path dependence is described through explicit formulas as well as heuristic statistics.
Dual-acting riboswitch control of translation initiation and mRNA decay

Riboswitches are mRNA regulatory elements that control gene expression by altering their structure in response to specific metabolite binding. In bacteria, riboswitches consist of an aptamer that performs ligand recognition and an expression platform that regulates either transcription termination or translation initiation. Here, we describe a dual-acting riboswitch from Escherichia coli that, in addition to modulating translation initiation, also is directly involved in the control of initial mRNA decay. Upon lysine binding, the lysC riboswitch adopts a conformation that not only inhibits translation initiation but also exposes RNase E cleavage sites located in the riboswitch expression platform. However, in the absence of lysine, the riboswitch folds into an alternative conformation that simultaneously allows translation initiation and sequesters RNase E cleavage sites. Both regulatory activities can be individually inhibited, indicating that translation initiation and mRNA decay can be modulated independently using the same conformational switch. Because RNase E cleavage sites are located in the riboswitch sequence, this riboswitch provides a unique means for the riboswitch to modulate RNase E cleavage activity directly as a function of lysine. This dual inhibition is in contrast to other riboswitches, such as the thiamin pyrophosphate-sensing thiM riboswitch, which triggers mRNA decay only as a consequence of translation inhibition. The riboswitch control of RNase E cleavage activity is an example of a mechanism by which metabolite sensing is used to regulate gene expression of single genes or even large polycistronic mRNAs as a function of environmental changes.
Existence of Positive Solution to Second-Order Three-Point BVPs on Time Scales

We are concerned with the following nonlinear second-order three-point boundary value problem on time scales , , , , where with and . A new representation of Green's function for the corresponding linear boundary value problem is obtained and some existence criteria of at least one positive solution for the above nonlinear boundary value problem are established by using the iterative method.
Evaluation of interference from impulse-radio and direct-sequence-UBW sources to 2-GHz digital radio transmission

Ultra wideband (UWB) technologies have been developed to exploit a new spectrum resource in substance and to realize ultra-high-speed communication and high precision telelocation. However, the interference effects have not fully been studied from UWB wireless systems to conventional narrow-band wireless systems sharing the same frequency bands. This paper experimentally evaluated the interference from two kinds of UWB sources, namely an impulse radio UWB a sources and direct-sequence spread-spectrum UWB sources, to 2-GHz digital transmission. Bit error rate degradation caused by the UWB sources were measured. It was found that in both cases the bit error rate had floor characteristics when the relatively-strong UWB sources interfered.
Outcomes in knowledge, attitudes and confidence of nursing staff working in nursing and residential care homes following a dementia training programme

ABSTRACT Objectives: Dementia training programmes for staff working in long-term care settings have been found to be effective in improving staff outcomes. This study investigated the impact of a dementia training programme for all Maltese nursing staff working in public nursing/residential homes on their knowledge, attitudes and confidence. Additionally, we identified the predictors of these domains before and after the programme. Method: A 14-hour training programme focusing on dementia management, care and policy was developed for all nursing staff working in public nursing and residential homes in Malta. A pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate the participants’ knowledge of dementia, attitudes and confidence in working with residents with dementia using validated tools. Demographic variables were measured and compared with each staff domain. Results: The majority of nursing staff attended the training programme with 261 fully completed questionnaires being collected pre-training and 214 post-training. The programme significantly improved nursing staff knowledge, attitudes and confidence. Stepwise regression analysis of each staff domain showed that the strongest predictor in all models at pre-training was the intensity of previous training programmes. Furthermore, staff who attended previous training continued to improve in their attitudes and confidence following programme completion. Conclusion: The study continues to shed further evidence on the impact of dementia training programs on staff outcomes. It also indicated that the intensity of previous participation in dementia training programmes was related to the participants’ knowledge, attitudes and confidence and that continual exposure to training had a cumulative effect.
Interaction between Phosphatidylserine and the Phosphatidylserine Receptor Inhibits Immune Responses In Vivo1

Phosphatidylserine (PS) on apoptotic cells promotes their uptake and induces anti-inflammatory responses in phagocytes, including TGF-β release. Little is known regarding the effects of PS on adaptive immune responses. We therefore investigated the effects of PS-containing liposomes on immune responses in mice in vivo. PS liposomes specifically inhibited responses to Ags as determined by decreased draining lymph node tissue mass, with reduced numbers of total leukocytes and Ag-specific CD4+ T cells. There was also a decrease in formation and size of germinal centers in spleen and lymph nodes, accompanied by decreased levels of Ag-specific IgG in blood. Many of these effects were mimicked by an agonistic Ab-specific for the PS receptor. TGF-β appears to play a critical role in this inhibition, as the inhibitory effects of PS were reversed by in vivo administration of anti-TGF-β Ab. PS-containing liposomes did not appear to directly inhibit dendritic cell maturation in vitro in response to a variety of stimuli, nor did it prevent their migration to regional lymph nodes in vivo, suggesting that the inhibitory effects may have resulted from complicated interactions between tissue cells and dendritic cells, subsequently inhibiting their ability to productively activate T lymphocytes.
Housing Wealth and Fertility: Australian Evidence

This paper examines the impact of housing wealth on fertility related decisions by exploiting geographic variation in house price changes in Australia. Using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, we fi nd changes in house prices signifi cantly affect the household decisions around fertility outcomes and fertility intentions. Our estimates indicate that, among home owners, a $100,000 increase in house prices increases the likelihood of having a child by a 7.5 percent. An increase in house prices of this order leads to an increase in the intention to have a child, measured on a scale of 0-10, by a 2.5 percent. We show that the positive housing wealth effect on fertility is largely driven by females in their early 30s, with at least one child, and within a formally married relationship.
Tall Stature and Gonadal Dysgenesis in a Non-Mosaic Girl 45,X

Turner’s syndrome, also known as ‘monosomy X’, is a genetic disorder that occurs in 1/2,500 female births and is hypothesized to result from haploinsufficiency of certain genes expressed from both sex chromosomes that escape X inactivation. While the classic karyotype related to Turner’s syndrome is 45,X, the majority of those affected actually have a mosaic chromosomal complement, most often with a second normal cell line (46,XX). The resulting phenotype is variable and related to the underlying chromosomal pattern, but it is characterized by three cardinal features: short stature (around 100%), ovarian failure (>90%) and congenital lymphedema (>80%). In this paper we report a molecular and cytogenetic investigation of a 26-year-old female with non-mosaic 45,X karyotype, who has a stature of 170 cm without GH treatment, and whose only apparent Turner feature is gonadal dysgenesis. The only possible explanation for the absence of Turner phenotype is the hidden mosaicism combined with an untreated gonadal dysgenesis. Our results support the theory that significant ascertainment bias exists in our understanding of Turner’s syndrome.
Current practices in antinuclear antibody testing: results from the Belgian External Quality Assessment Scheme

Abstract Background: This study aimed to assess the state-of-the-art of antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing as practiced in the Belgian and Luxembourg laboratories, using the results obtained in the Belgian National External Quality Assessment Scheme from 2000 to 2005. Methods: During this period, nine samples with different specificities were sent for analysis. Participants were surveyed for methodology used and were asked to report staining pattern and titer of ANAs. In 2002, an attempt was made to improve the comparability of quantitative ANA results by the provision of a commercial reference material and to relate observed differences to methodology. Results: With one exception, all participants employed a microscope-based indirect immunofluorescence assay with human epithelial cell line 2 cells. Most laboratories were accurate in describing the pattern. The percentage of unacceptable answers was greater for samples with borderline levels of antibody and for samples showing a cytoplasmic pattern. An improvement in the detection of anticentromere antibodies was observed. For all samples, a wide range of titers was reported. The provision of the secondary reference preparation led to improved inter-laboratory concordance. Comparison of methodology variables revealed a correlation between unstandardized titers and the power of the lamp of the microscope and the use of a dark room. Conclusions: The EQAS results presented in this work provide valuable insights into the state of the art of ANA testing as practiced in the Belgian and Luxembourg Laboratories and illustrate the important value of a national EQAS for ANA testing as a tool to improve performance and interlaboratory comparability of laboratory results. Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:102–8.
Generation and Analysis of Mice Lacking the Chemokine Fractalkine

ABSTRACT Fractalkine (CX3CL1) is the first described chemokine that can exist either as a soluble protein or as a membrane-bound molecule. Both forms of fractalkine can mediate adhesion of cells expressing its receptor, CX3CR1. This activity, together with its expression on endothelial cells, suggests that fractalkine might mediate adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium during inflammation. Fractalkine is also highly expressed in neurons, and its receptor, CX3CR1, is expressed on glial cells. To determine the biologic role of fractalkine, we used targeted gene disruption to generate fractalkine-deficient mice. These mice did not exhibit overt behavioral abnormalities, and histologic analysis of their brains did not reveal any gross changes compared to wild-type mice. In addition, these mice had normal hematologic profiles except for a decrease in the number of blood leukocytes expressing the cell surface marker F4/80. The cellular composition of their lymph nodes did not differ significantly from that of wild-type mice. Similarly, the responses offractalkine−/− mice to a variety of inflammatory stimuli were indistinguishable from those of wild-type mice.
A String Model of Liquidity in Financial Markets

We consider a dynamic market model of liquidity where unmatched buy and sell limit orders are stored in order books. The resulting net demand surface constitutes the sole input to the model. We prove that generically there is no arbitrage in the model when the driving noise is a stochastic string. Under the equivalent martingale measure, the clearing price is a martingale, and options can be priced under the no-arbitrage hypothesis. We consider several parameterized versions of the model, and show some advantages of specifying the demand curve as quantity as a function of price (as opposed to price as a function of quantity). We calibrate our model to real order book data, compute option prices by Monte Carlo simulation, and compare the results to observed data.