Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protein Kinase D Promotes in Vitro Osteoclast Differentiation and Fusion*

Background: The role of PKD signaling in osteoclasts has not been reported previously. Results: Inhibition of PKD expression or activity impaired formation of multinucleated osteoclasts from mononucleated precursors. Conclusion: PKD activity is required for differentiation of osteoclast progenitors into mature osteoclasts. Significance: PKD may be involved in pathological and physiological bone resorption. Although PKD is broadly expressed and involved in numerous cellular processes, its function in osteoclasts has not been previously reported. In this study, we found that PKD2 is the main PKD isoform expressed in osteoclastic cells. PKD phosphorylation, indicative of the activated state, increased after 2–3 days of treatment of bone marrow macrophages with M-CSF and RANKL, corresponding to the onset of preosteoclast fusion. RNAi against PKD2 and treatment with the PKD inhibitor CID755673 showed that PKD activity is dispensable for induction of bone marrow macrophages into tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive preosteoclasts in culture but is required for the transition from mononucleated preosteoclasts to multinucleated osteoclasts. Loss of PKD activity reduced expression of DC-STAMP in RANKL-stimulated cultures. Overexpression of DC-STAMP was sufficient to rescue treatment with CID755673 and restore fusion into multinucleated osteoclasts. From these data, we conclude that PKD activity promotes differentiation of osteoclast progenitors through increased expression of DC-STAMP.
After, Before and During: Returns to Education in the Hungarian Transition

How valuable are the education and skills acquired under socialism in a market economy? This paper uses data for about 3 million Hungarian wage earners, from 1986 to 1998, to throw light on this question. We find that returns to schooling reach 10 percent early on and remain at this high level. These estimates are larger than for other transition economies, but similar to those for middle-income developing countries. With the gap in average years of schooling unremitting, we argue that the Hungarian stock of human capital is considerably less than the existing figures have led us to believe.
Effect of Short‐Sale Constraints on Stock Price Manipulation

This paper examines the effect of short‐sale constraints on the stock price manipulation of an insider, who is subject to mandatory disclosure rules. We show that the privately informed insider may manipulate by trading against his or her information when short selling is banned. We find that stock price movement is asymmetric in the sense that prices fall by a larger percentage than they rise. In addition, we prove that removing short‐sale constraints increases price volatility. Finally, we explore the welfare implications of short‐sale constraints.
Servants: The Obsolescence of an Occupational Role

The servant role, it is argued, is obsolete in modern society. Even when formally based on contract, it is in essence rooted in ascribed status, particularistic standards, and diffuse obligations. The master's family "greedily" attempts to absorb the total personality of the servant, and ties him to the household in a totalistic manner. Such premodern relationships between superior and inferior can exist only as long as religious legitimations for it are accepted by the servant, and no alternative employment opportunities are available. When this is no longer the case, the role becomes obsolescent and only persons suffering from marked inferiorities and peculiar stigmas can be induced to enter it.
Critiques fondamentales du SRISK

The SRISK measures the need for recapitalization of a financial institution conditional to a market shock of great importance. Widely disseminated in the academic community, in professional circles (financial analysts, economic research services, regulators, etc.) and in some mainstream media, the SRISK is posted for a large number of financial institutions with regular updates on web sites. In this paper, we present some weaknesses that are strong limits of the SRISK model. They concern in particular the lack of definition of the ? k? ratio, applying the same approach to fundamentally different financial institutions and taking into account the market value of equity in a prudential framework. At the confluence of macroeconomics, finance and regulation, the measurement of systemic risk cannot be based on a single criterion uniformly imposed to all financial institutions. At this stage of its development, SRISK cannot be used to define normatively capital requirements of financial institutions. Classification JEL: G21, G28.
Consumers' Valuation for a Reduced Salt Product: A Nonhypothetical Choice Experiment

type="main"> Reducing intakes of salt can help decrease a person's risk of heart-related chronic diseases. This study utilized a nonhypothetical choice experiment (with some hypothetical product options) to examine consumers’ valuation for “Reduced Salt” canned ham in Korea. This study analyzed different sources of heterogeneity, such as correlation across utilities, income effects, and risk preferences, by estimating four different specifications of the random parameters logit model. Results suggest that the range of discount needed for consumers to switch from “Reduced Salt” canned ham to standard canned ham is 274 KRW ($USD 0.24) to 313 KRW ($USD 0.28) per can, which is approximately 7.8–8.9% of the average price of a canned ham. The results also suggest that consumers prefer the canned ham using domestic pork to the canned ham using imported pork. Moreover, respondents who are highly risk averse were more likely to purchase products with domestic ingredients. Une diminution de l'apport en sodium peut contribuer a reduire le risque de maladies cardiaques chroniques. Dans la presente etude, nous avons utilise une methode des choix discrets non hypothetiques (comprenant quelques options de produits hypothetiques) pour examiner l’evaluation des consommateurs coreens concernant le jambon en conserve « reduit en sodium ». Nous avons analyse diverses sources d'heterogeneite, telles que la correlation des fonctions d'utilite, l'effet de revenu et les preferences quant au risque, en estimant quatre specifications du modele logit a parametres aleatoires. Les resultats de notre etude indiquent que la fourchette d'escompte necessaire pour inciter les consommateurs a passer du jambon en conserve « reduit en sodium » au jambon en conserve ordinaire varie de 274 KRW (0,24 $ US) a 313 KRW (0,28 $ US) par conserve, soit environ 7,8 a 8,9 % du prix moyen du jambon en conserve. Les resultats indiquent egalement que les consommateurs preferent le jambon en conserve provenant de porcs eleves en Coree plutot que porcs importes. De plus, les repondants qui avaient une forte aversion pour le risque etaient plus susceptibles d'acheter des produits contenant des ingredients provenant de la Coree.
The effect of experience and complexity on order and recency bias in decision making by professional accountants

Recently, questions have been raised regarding the impact of experience on the susceptibility of professional accountants to judgment bias-particularly order and recency biases as predicted in the Belief-Adjustment Model. The Belief-Adjustment Model predicts recency effects will always exist in complex decision domains (regardless of experience). Complexity is defined within the model as a function of task familiarity and information load. The prior studies on experience and bias in accounting domains have focused on varying task familiarity and have found that task familiarity can mitigate order/recency bias. In this study, complexity is operationalised through heavy information load (a condition more consistent with professional accounting environments) while maintaining a high level of task familiarity. Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment utilised a going concern decision using highly experienced partners and managers. The second experiment was conducted in the insolvency domain and used 87 experienced insolvency practitioners. The results indicate that experience does not mitigate order/recency bias under conditions of heavy information load. © AAANZ, 2000.
The Demand for Televised Football

Abstract This paper investigates the demand for televised football games. It examines how factors specific to television on the one hand and factors specific to the football game on the other hand, influence the viewing figures of televised football. In our case we are analysing viewing figures for football matches from the Norwegian top division shown on the Norwegian public service channels NRK1 (financed by licence fee) and TV2 (financed by advertising) in the period 1998–2007, and viewing figures for football matches from the Danish top league on the Danish commercial cable and satellite channel 3+ in the same period. The purpose of the analysis is to identity (a) the motivation of different segments of viewers to watch televised football; and (b) potential scheduling practices of different television companies based on factors that influences viewing preferences. Findings suggest that the viewer ratings of televised football are dependent on factors related to scheduling than by football interests among the audience. Ultimately, the study supports the theory of audience segmentation for public service broadcasters and commercial channels. Most viewers on public service broadcasters watch programs, also football games, driven by general viewing habits and scheduling strategies, while the smaller audience on a commercial channel is more likely to select programs based on presumed interests for the game.
Mitigating the effects of distance on collaborative intellectual work

This paper reviews systematic research on collaborative work involving synchronous, or same-time, interactions, which comprise a major challenge for projects in which a distance of 30 metres or more separates participants. It identifies the specific advantages of close proximity, or 'radical co-location', in which participants share a common room or workspace. Reference to these advantages is used to assess the shortcomings of co-operative work support techniques including software and video conferencing. A variety of contexts in which distant collaboration is undertaken are examined in order to identify instances of success, as well as a range of specific problems related to cultural and time zone differences and the limitations of available of information and communication technologies for interpersonal communication. Prospects for future technologies to transcend these limitations are discussed.
Regional disparities and practice patterns in surgical approaches to pituitary tumors in the United States

Traditional microscopic and endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches (TSAs) are the most common surgical techniques in pituitary surgery. Examining regional practice patterns in pituitary surgery can provide valuable insights into which surgical strategies are most accessible, effective, and cost‐efficient. In this study we investigated regional variations in surgical approaches to pituitary tumors and evaluated evolving practice patterns in pituitary surgery.
Greenhouse soil solarization: effect on weeds, nematodes and yield of tomato and melon

Phase-out of methyl bromide and health concerns related to the use of pesticides are increasing the interest in alternative control strategies. Soil solarization is an effective, safe and cheap technique for the control of soil-borne pathogens and weeds. However, knowledge of the long-term effects of solarization, as well as of repeated solarization cycles, is scarce. Such knowledge should in particular help to minimize the number of solarization treatments. Therefore, we tested the residual effect of a single solarization treatment and the effects of two or three solarization cycles on root-knot nematodes, weeds and crop yield for three years on greenhouse-grown tomato and melon. Soil solarization was applied for either one, two or three consecutive years on a soil infested by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica and many annual and perennial weed species. An untreated soil was used as a control. At the end of each crop cycle yield parameters were recorded, weeds were identified and counted, and nematode infestation was evaluated. Our results show that a single solarization treatment significantly increased yields by +116%, and strongly reduced nematode infestation of −99% of infested plants and of −98% of the root gall index in the following melon crop. It also suppressed annual weed emergence three years later. Plant yields from two- and three-year solarized soil were always higher than nonsolarized control: +284% and +263%, respectively, for tomato, and +162% and +368%, respectively, for melon. Further, two- and three-year solarization treatments almost completely suppressed the infestation of the M. javanica nematode in tomato, and reduced the nematode effect in melon by −86% and −79%, respectively. Repeated solarization treatments also resulted in a high reduction of emergence of most weed species in all crop cycles. A single soil solarization treatment was shown to be effective for a long-term sustainable management of weeds, whereas the time-limited effectiveness against root-knot nematodes can be enhanced through two- or three-year repeated treatments.
Relationship between human cytomegalovirus transcription and symptomatic apical periodontitis in Iran.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Apical periodontitis of endodontic origin may develop as a result of cooperative interactions among herpesviruses, specific pathogenic bacteria and tissue-destructive inflammatory mediators. This study sought to identify the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) transcripts in symptomatic and asymptomatic periapical lesions of individuals living in Iran. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty endodontic patients (28 with symptomatic periapical lesions and 22 with asymptomatic periapical lesions) were included in the study. In each study subject, a microbiological periapical sample was collected using a curette in conjunction with periapical surgery. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay was used to identify transcripts of EBV and HCMV. RESULTS Human cytomegalovirus transcript was detected in 15 of the 28 (53.6%) symptomatic and in six of the 22 (27.3%) asymptomatic periapical study lesions (significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions; P = 0.03, chi-square test). Epstein-Barr virus transcript was identified in one symptomatic and in two asymptomatic periapical lesions. CONCLUSION This study establishes that HCMV transcription is common in apical periodontitis and is most frequent in symptomatic lesions. The high frequency of active herpesvirus infections in severe apical periodontitis changes the pathogenic paradigm of the disease and may also have preventive and therapeutic implications.
Recreational Visits to the Adam's River during the Annual Sockeye Run: A Travel Cost Analysis

ABSTRACT In October of each year, sockeye salmon return to the Adam's River in the southern-interior of British Columbia, Canada, to spawn. A survey instrument based upon the individual travel cost approach was distributed to individuals making recreational visits to Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park (through which the Adam's River flows) during a recent dominant-year run. The primary objective of this article is to report estimates of the net benefits arising from those recreational visits for three categories of visitors, including multi-purpose visitors. Since the data set encompasses both revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP) data, a random-effects Poisson regression was utilized to generate the estimates of consumer surplus. Two related issues of concern are also addressed: (1) does the SP data reflect hypothetical bias, and (2) is convergent validity reflected in separate estimates of consumer surplus generated using RP and SP data? JEL Codes: Q26, Q51.
A laboratory investigation of mosquito larval predation by Toxorhynchites moctezuma on Aedes aegypti

ABSTRACT. 1. Functional responses of predatory Toxorhynchites moctezuma (Dyar & Knab) larvae feeding on Aedes aegypti (L.) larvae (Diptera: Culicidae) were found to be type II of Holling (1959) and Rogers (1972).
Determining Public Provision of Education Services in a Sequential Education Process

Abstract This paper applies a political economy approach to the study of the endogenous determination of the size and composition of a public education budget. In this model, there are two education stages: the first is compulsory, while advanced education is optional. Parents decide on the education policy by a majority vote, children attend schools and then decide whether to get advanced education. This paper shows that even in a simple scenario where only public education is available, children's college-attendance decisions may lead the single-crossing condition to fail, which indicates that a majority voting equilibrium may not exist. In a scenario where individuals can opt for private education services, the model provides necessary and sufficient conditions for an equilibrium of the "ends-against-the-middle" type, where the poor are decisive. An implication of this result is that the opting-out feature of education may improve the welfare of the poor.
Echocardiographic Measurements in Normal Preterm and Term Neonates

ABSTRACT. To the purpose of better defining normative data on intracardiac dimensions and systolic time intervals in very low birth weight infants, we collected M‐mode echocardiograms from 210 healthy preterm and term neonates with birth weights between 780 and 5350 g and gestational ages ranging from 26 to 43 weeks. Fifty‐nine neonates were less than 24 h, 62 were 25‐48 h, and 89 were 48‐144 h of age. Diastolic and systolic left ventricular dimensions increased gradually with advancing birth weight (r=+0.84 and 0.78). Left atrial and aortic root dimensions tended to show a parabolic relationship with birth weight, increments were reduced at higher birth weights (r=+0.92 and 0.85). The shortening fraction of the left ventricle (mean + SD 33.8 ± 4.9%) and the left atrial/aortic ratio (1.16 ± 0.10) were constant throughout all weight subgroups. Pre‐ejection periods and ejection times of both ventricles were reduced in preterm infants due to their higher heart rates, but left and right ventricular PEP/ ET ratios in preterm and term infants were comparable. Septal thickness in diastole and in systole tended to increase slowly with advancing birth weight, but correlation coefficients were low. This information is currently used as data base for a computer program to interpret M‐mode echocardiograms performed in our nursery.
State support for private schooling in India: What do the evaluations of the British Assisted Places Schemes suggest?

Section 12 of the Indian Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (the RTE Act) states that 25% of the entry-level places in all private schools should be free and reserved for students from economically and socially disadvantaged families. The Indian State governments will pay schools a per-child fee based on costs in the government sector, or the actual school fee if that is lower. This substantial funding, and accompanying ideological support, for private sector schools is justified mainly in terms of the need to meet Education for All targets. This article shows that there are many similarities between this scheme and the Assisted Places Schemes that ran in Great Britain from 1980 until 1997. It examines these similarities and differences between the schemes and draws conclusion about the potential effects of the Indian scheme in terms of social justice based on the evaluations of the British schemes.
Clinicopathologic variables associated with hypokalemia in lactating dairy cows with abomasal displacement or volvulus.

OBJECTIVE To identify potential mechanisms for hypokalemia in dairy cows with left-displaced abomasum (LDA), right-displaced abomasum (RDA), or abomasal volvulus (AV). DESIGN Retrospective analysis of clinicopathologic data from 2 convenience samples of cows. SAMPLE 112 lactating dairy cows with AV (group 1); 1,332 lactating dairy cows (group 2) with LDA (n = 1,160) or RDA or AV (172). PROCEDURES Data were analyzed via Spearman ρ and multivariate stepwise regression. RESULTS 78 of 112 (70%) group 1 cows were hypokalemic (mean serum potassium concentration, 3.5 mEq/L; reference range, 3.9 to 5.8 mEq/L). For group 1 cows, serum chloride concentration had the strongest positive association with serum potassium concentration, and serum potassium concentration was negatively associated with plasma bicarbonate and serum glucose, creatinine, and urea concentrations. Six hundred thirty-six of 1,160 (55%) of group 2 cows with LDA were hypokalemic (mean serum potassium concentration, 3.7 mEq/L). Ninety-two of 172 (53%) group 2 cows with RDA or AV were hypokalemic (mean serum potassium concentration, 3.8 mEq/L). For group 2 cows, serum chloride concentration had the strongest positive association with serum potassium concentration, and serum potassium concentration was negatively associated with indices of feed intake (serum bilirubin concentration) and hydration status. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested hypokalemia was associated with hypochloremia, alkalemia, low feed intake with high amount of milk produced, hypovolemia, and hyperglycemia in lactating dairy cows. Treatment of hypokalemia should include surgical correction of abomasal displacement, increased dietary potassium intake via dietary dry matter intake or oral administration of KCl, and correction of hypochloremia, alkalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and dehydration.
Efficiency of Football Betting Markets: The Economic Significance of Trading Strategies

Prior studies of the Australian Rugby League betting market report a degree of predictability well in excess of that attributable to chance. However, two important recent changes in the structure of the market facilitate an unambiguous assessment of the statistical significance of predictability and the economic significance of returns to betting strategies. The present paper reexamines the efficiency of the Australian Rugby League betting market under the revised market structure. In addition, a set of measures of the economic significance of trading strategies are developed and implemented. Relative to prior studies, the out-of-sample success of the predictive model has diminished notably under the revised market structure; although a naive strategy betting on home underdogs still performs significantly better than can be attributed to chance. Simulation experiments suggest that the documented level of predictability from several strategies generates economically significant returns.