Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytokines and the response to infection

In response to infectious or inflammatory agents, the immune system is activated by a series of small proteins, named ‘interleukins’, as it was originally believed that these compounds were exclusively produced by and for leucocytes. Nowadays, the term ‘cytokines’ is preferred to connote that the sources and actions include a wider variety of cell types. Cytokines are hormone-like compounds with effects on the cell of origin (autocrine effect), cells in the micro-environment (paracrine effect), and distant cells (endocrine effect). The term ‘cytokine network’ indicates that the biological function of several cytokines overlaps and that two or more cytokines can antagonize each other or may have synergistic effects. Furthermore, the production and release of cytokines are influenced by positive and negative feedback loops from the same and other cytokines. For instance, outer membrane components of Gram-negative bacteria, e.g., endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)], when interacting with macrophages, induce primarily the synthesis of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukinl p (IL-I/? ). Subsequently, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (TL-8), and IL1 itself are stimulated by IL-1 and TNF. IL-6, in turn, inhibits the production of TNF and IL-I. Since the principal cytokines produced early in response to infection are TNF, IL-lp, IL-6, and IL-8, we will review the role of these cytokines in host defence to infections, with emphasis on bacterial and protozoal infections. Interleukin1 receptor antagonist (IL-lra), which is also produced
A Financial Sector Analysis of the Eurodollar Market

RECENT DISCUSSIONS of the Eurodollar market have revealed considerable controversy among economists over its structure and impact. In the hope of clarifying the functioning of the market, this paper presents two models in which Eurobanks are viewed as a special type of intermediary in the financial sector of the United States. These overseas banks issue Eurodollar deposits, time deposits denominated in dollars, and acquire U.S. and foreign securities and non-deposit branch claims on U.S. commercial banks. Changes in asset yields, including the Eurodollar deposit rate, alter the size and composition of the balance sheets of Eurobanks, U.S. commercial banks, and the public. These models will be used to determine (1) how the behavior of transactors in the Eurodollar market affects the impact on U.S. interest rates of monetary disturbances in the United States; (2) how the size of the market is affected by these disturbances; (3) whether switches into Eurodollar deposits by the public are likely to lead to an induced expansion of the market; (4) whether raising Regulation Q ceilings is expansionary or contractionary; and (5) the importance of Regulation Q ceilings to the size of the market. The Gramley-Chase-Smith financial sector model is reviewed and modified in Section I and extended in Section II to include Eurodollar transactions. Section III presents an alternative model of the Eurodollar market, in which Regulation Q ceilings are imposed on U.S. time deposit rates. Sect-on IV is a summary of the results. The major limitation of this paper is its omission of induced changes in foreign interest rates, the inclusion of which would require the addition of a foreign financial sector to the models, and in spot and forward exchange rates, which are taken to be pegged by the exchange authorities.
Incidence patterns for ependymoma: a surveillance, epidemiology, and end results study.

OBJECT Previous small studies disagree about which clinical risk factors influence ependymoma incidence. The authors analyzed a large, population-based cancer registry to examine the relationship of incidence to patient age, sex, race, and tumor location, and to determine incidence trends over the past 3 decades. METHODS Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER-9) study, which was conducted from 1973 to 2003. Histological codes were used to define ependymomas. Age-adjusted incidence rates were compared by confidence intervals in the SEER*Stat 6.2 program. Multiplicative Poisson regression and Joinpoint analysis were used to determine annual percentage change and to look for sharp changes in incidence, respectively. RESULTS From the SEER database, 1402 patients were identified. The incidence rate per 100,000 person-years was significantly higher in male than in female patients (males 0.227 +/- 0.029, females 0.166 +/- 0.03). For children, the age at diagnosis differed significantly by tumor location, with the mean age for patients with infratentorial tumors calculated as 5 +/- 0.4 years; for supratentorial tumors it was 7.77 +/- 0.6 years, and for spinal lesions it was 12.16 +/- 0.8 years. (Values are expressed as the mean +/- standard error [SE].) Adults showed no difference in the mean age of incidence by location, although most tumors in this age group were spinal. Between 1973 and 2003, the incidence increased significantly among adults but not among children, and there were no sharp changes at any single year, both before and after age adjustment. CONCLUSIONS Males have a higher incidence of ependymoma than do females. A biological explanation remains elusive. Ependymoma occurs within the CNS at distinct locations at different ages, consistent with hypotheses postulating distinct populations of radial glial stem cells within the CNS. Ependymoma incidence appears to have increased over the past 3 decades, but only in adults.
The Impact of 9/11 and Other Terrible Global Events on Tourism in the United States and Hawaii

This article reviews recent trends in travel and tourism in the United States and Hawaii to ascertain how the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and subsequent terrible global events affected tourism flows. United States tourism has not recovered fully from 9/11 and other international shocks; indeed, recovery may be a long way off. By contrast, Hawaii tourism is enjoying robust growth in the aftermath of 9/11 as growth in tourist arrivals from the mainland has offset declines in international visitors. We suggest that Hawaii’s current tourism boom is explained in part by the diversion of United States travel from foreign travel. The article demonstrates the usefulness of vector error correction models to generate dynamic visitor forecasts, which we use to determine whether tourism in Hawaii has recovered fully from 9/11 and other terrible international events. The article considers policy options for facilitating the recovery of international tourism to the United States.
"Hot Hand" in the National Basketball Association Point Spread Betting Market: A 34-Year Analysis

Several articles have looked at factors that affect the adjustments of point spreads, based on hot hands or streaks, for smaller durations of time. This study examines these effects for 34 regular seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Estimating a Seemingly Unrelated Regression model using all 34 seasons, all streaks significantly impacted point spreads and difference in actual points. When estimating each season individually, differences emerged particularly examining winning and losing streaks of six games or more. The results indicate both the presence of momentum effects and the gambler’s fallacy.
Does IPM Have Staying Power? Revisiting a Potato‐producing Area Years After Formal Training Ended

Integrated pest management (IPM) potentially reduces pesticide use and costs of agricultural production. However, IPM is knowledge intensive and its spread may dissipate over time due to knowledge required for its effective implementation and to competing messages about pest control. We examine IPM spread and adoption several years after formal intensive IPM outreach efforts ceased in a potato-producing region in Ecuador. We describe adoption patterns and sources of IPM knowledge in 2012 and compare them with patterns that existed when outreach ceased in 2003. Results show that IPM adoption continues in the area but with a lower proportion of farmers fully adopting all practices and a higher proportion adopting low to moderate levels as compared to 2003. Almost all potato farmers in the area use some IPM practices, reflecting a major increase in IPM use. Farmer-to-farmer spread has supplanted formal training and outreach mechanisms. IPM adoption significantly lowers pesticide use and saves production costs for adopters.
Sheep-Passaged Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Agent Exhibits Altered Pathobiological Properties in Bovine-PrP Transgenic Mice

ABSTRACT Sheep can be experimentally infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and the ensuing disease is similar to scrapie in terms of pathogenesis and clinical signs. BSE infection in sheep is an animal and human health concern. In this study, the transmission in BoPrP-Tg110 mice of prions from BSE-infected sheep was examined and compared to the transmission of original cattle BSE in cattle and sheep scrapie prions. Our results indicate no transmission barrier for sheep BSE prions to infect BoPrP-Tg110 mice, but the course of the disease is accelerated compared to the effects of the original BSE isolate. The shortened incubation period of sheep BSE in the model was conserved in subsequent passage in BoPrP-Tg110 mice, indicating that it is not related to infectious titer differences. Biochemical signature, lesion profile, and PrPSc deposition pattern of both cattle and sheep BSE were similar. In contrast, all three sheep scrapie isolates tested showed an evident transmission barrier and further adaptation in subsequent passage. Taken together, those data indicate that BSE agent can be altered by crossing a species barrier, raising concerns about the virulence of this new prion towards other species, including humans. The BoPrP-Tg110 mouse bioassay should be considered as a valuable tool for discriminating scrapie and BSE in sheep.
E-V and E-S Capital Asset Pricing Models: Some Empirical Tests

The purpose of this study was to test empirically the risk and return relationships for a mean-variance (E-V) and a mean-semivariance (E-S) capital asset pricing model (CAPM). To date, virtually all empirical work has focused on the Sharpe-Lintner [28,17] E-V model. In the E-V model, the risk of an efficient portfolio is measured by the standard deviation of return, σp. For individual securities, the appropriate measure of risk is the covariance of return on the security and the market portfolio. The E-V model states that the expected return of any security or portfolio equals the risk-free rate of return plus a risk premium that is η times the difference between the expected return on the market portfolio and the risk-free rate of return, i.e., where the tildes denote random variables, and = expected rate of return on security i, Rf = risk-free rate of return, = expected rate of return on the market portfolio, and .
Obesity and Cortisol Status

The fact, that obesity is a prominent feature of hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome) has stimulated investigation on the possible existence of the reverse relationship, namely that hypercortisolism is a feature of obesity. We have reviewed half a century of literature on this question, and have found out the following: (1) Hypercortisolism can exist in two forms: systemic hypercortisolism, in which there is an overall bodily excess of cortisol, and tissue, or intracellular, hypercortisolism, in which there is increased intracellular concentration of cortisol without an overall bodily excess. (2) There are two parameters of systemic hypercortisolism: CPR and plasma cortisol concentration. Proper evaluation of the first parameter requires correction for the active metabolic mass, which is best performed by expressing CPR per gram of urinary creatinine. The second parameter can be confounded by the marked moment-to-moment fluctuations in plasma cortisol concentrations due to cortisol's episodic secretion. Proper evaluation requires measuring the 24-hour mean concentration. Of these two parameters of systemic cortisol status, the plasma concentration is the more critical and accurate. (3) Corrected CPR is normal in obese individuals, and 24-hour mean plasma cortisol concentrations are slightly but definitely subnormal. This combination of findings indicates diminished stimulability of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which normally regulates bodily cortisol status. This deduction is supported by empirical studies on HPA reactivity. (4) Tissue hypercortisolism, due to increased intracellular activity of 11beta-HSD-1, which catalyzes reduction of cortisone to cortisol, has been reported in obese mice and humans. The findings of various studies are not consistent, and whether the enzymatic overactivity is a cause or a result of obesity is still unclear.
Loss of Huntingtin-Mediated BDNF Gene Transcription in Huntington's Disease

Huntingtin is a 350-kilodalton protein of unknown function that is mutated in Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disorder. The mutant protein is presumed to acquire a toxic gain of function that is detrimental to striatal neurons in the brain. However, loss of a beneficial activity of wild-type huntingtin may also cause the death of striatal neurons. Here we demonstrate that wild-type huntingtin up-regulates transcription of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a pro-survival factor produced by cortical neurons that is necessary for survival of striatal neurons in the brain. We show that this beneficial activity of huntingtin is lost when the protein becomes mutated, resulting in decreased production of cortical BDNF. This leads to insufficient neurotrophic support for striatal neurons, which then die. Restoring wild-type huntingtin activity and increasing BDNF production may be therapeutic approaches for treating HD.
Efficacy of transnasal endoscopic resection for malignant anterior skull‐base tumors

Craniofacial resection (CFR) has been the standard of care for malignant tumors of the anterior skull base (ASB). However, during the past 2 decades, transnasal endoscopic resection (TER) has gained significant popularity. The purpose of this study is to compare CFR and TER with respect to perioperative and oncologic outcomes.
Impact of Interbank Liquidity on Monetary Transmission Mechanism: A Case Study of Pakistan

We investigate the transmission mechanism of policy-induced changes in the discount rate and required reserves in Pakistan. Our results suggest that the pass through to the lending rate is complete for the discount rate but incomplete for required reserves. However, only shocks to required reserves have an effect on the deposit rate and the exchange rate in the long run. The observation that the discount rate is not a very effective monetary policy tool is attributed to excess liquidity present in the interbank market of Pakistan. Finally, our findings suggest a structural shift in the interbank money market in Pakistan.
Community-Based Destination Governance in a Developing Economy: The Jamaican Experience

Utilizing a destination governance and social capital conceptual framework, the research examines opinions concerning goals and outcomes in regards to the Jamaican Ministry of Tourism's Ten-Year Master Plan to enhance tourism and increase shared governance. In addition to secondary sources of information, researchers use primary data obtained through an email survey sent to 540 Jamaican managers and executives, 18.3% of whom (n = 99) completed the survey. Study findings may be deemed contrary to destination governance theory and best practices. However, upon closer examination, they are wholly consistent with theory and models that examine governance issues in developing nations. Arguably, Jamaica tourism may not be ready to fully embrace a network-based model of destination governance, but instead is in the process of evolving toward that model. The findings should be useful for the Jamaican and other developing nation's tourism industries. Further, it should spark discussion regarding governance differences between developing versus developed destinations.
The Valuation of R&D Expenditures in Japan

The difficulty to measure the long-term benefits of R&D expenditures and the distortions induced by R&D accounting suggest that R&D-intensive firms could be undervalued. Using several methods commonly applied to detect the abnormal returns associated with mispricing, we find little evidence that the value of R&D investments has been underestimated in the Japanese stock market. Given that R&D accounting rules in Japan are similar to those in United States, the results appear to reject the hypothesis that accounting biases are the cause of the undervaluation of R&D investments observed in the United States.
Chasing market dislocation: The LIBOR shifted model

We introduce a flexible multivariate extension to the LIBOR market model that is analytically tractable. The flexibility of the model is a solution to the interest rate market dislocation that happened on the credit crunch aftermath in August 2007. The extension is based on a parameter uncertainty modeled through a random variable whose value is drawn at an infinitesimal time after zero. The proposed shift captures the skew commonly seen in the cap market, whereas the uncertain volatility component of the model allows us to obtain more general implied volatility structures. We show how this model can be calibrated to cap prices. We also propose an analytical approximated formula to price swaptions from the cap calibrated model. Finally, we build a bridge between the caps and swaptions markets by calibrating the correlation structure to swaption prices, and analysing some implications of the calibrated model parameters.
The Impact of Monetary Policy on Asset Prices

Estimating the response of asset prices to changes in monetary policy is complicated by the endogeneity of policy decisions and the fact that both interest rates and asset prices react to numerous other variables. This paper develops a new estimator that is based on the heteroskedasticity that exists in high frequency data. We show that the response of asset prices to changes in monetary policy can be identified based on the increase in the variance of policy shocks that occurs on days of FOMC meetings and of the Chairman's semi-annual monetary policy testimony to Congress. The identification approach employed requires a much weaker set of assumptions than needed under the 'event-study' approach that is typically used in this context. The results indicate that an increase in short-term interest rates results in a decline in stock prices and in an upward shift in the yield curve that becomes smaller at longer maturities. The findings also suggest that the event-study estimates contain biases that make the estimated effects on stock prices appear too small and those on Treasury yields too large.
Differences in the Cs block of baclofen and 4‐aminopyridine induced potassium currents of guinea pig CA3 neurons in vitro

Single‐electrode current‐ and voltage‐clamp techniques were employed to study responses elicited by (−)baclofen or γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) induced inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in CA3 pyramidal neurons in guinea pig hippocampal slices. All drugs were applied by the bath to submerged slices in which fast synaptic transmission was blocked by 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (10 μM), bicuculline (50 μM), and picrotoxin (50 μM). (−)Baclofen (0.5 μM) and GABA (1 μM) induced equivalent‐sized hyperpolarizations and input resistance decreases. The agonist induced hyperpolarization or current and 4‐AP induced hyperpolarizations or currents (4‐AP induced K‐IPSPs or IPSCs) reversed in sign near the K‐equilibrium potential (EK). The GABAB receptor antagonists, OH‐saclofen (500 μM) and CGP 35348 (100 μM), reduced (−)baclofen responses, and 4‐AP induced K‐IPSPs, suggesting that they were mediated by GABAB receptors. Intracellular tetraethylammonium‐, and extracellular barium‐ions (1 μM) diminished the (−)baclofen induced current and 4‐AP induced K‐IPSCs. Intracellular Cs‐ions blocked the (−)baclofen induced outward current at resting membrane potential but did not grossly affect the inward current recorded at membrane potentials negative to EK. 4‐AP induced inwardly or outwardly directed KIPSCs were not blocked by intracellular Cs‐ions. Extracellular Cs‐ions (5 μM) blocked the (−)baclofen induced inward K‐current, but did not block 4‐AP induced inwardly directed K‐IPSCs. In conclusion, we found differences in the Cs block of K‐channels activated by (−)baclofen or the endogenous transmitter GABA. One reason could be that (−)baclofen predominantly activated extra synaptic GABAB receptors provided that extrasynaptic and subsynaptic receptors couple to different potassium channels. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Reexamination of Stock Splits Using Moving Betas

WHEREAS THE COSTS OF STOCK SPLITS are readily apparent (e.g., stock issue taxes, listing fees, mailing costs), the benefits accruing to holders of split shares are less evident. ' Several rationale for stock splits have been offered including: (1) increased marketability of firms' shares, (2) conveyance of information regarding superior investment opportunities, (3) increased ownership base to avoid mergers, (4) increased product sales, and (5) improved employer/employee relations.2 Market lore dictates that the first argument, the "marketability" criterion, is paramount. Its proponents maintain that stock splits, per se, benefit shareholders by increasing securities' popularity and marketability via bringing share prices into more favorable trading ranges.3'4 The finance literature has concentrated upon the second, the "information content," argument as the motivating force behind stock splits. Advocates of this position contend that stock splits only provide shareholders with lasting benefits when followed, or accompanied, by favorable financial information such as superior investment opportunities expected to result in increased future earnings and cash dividends. As early as 1956, C. Austin Barker [4] examined stock splits and showed that rates of return are substantially higher to holders of split shares undergoing cash dividend increases, but not to holders of split shares not culminating in increased total cash dividends. Perhaps the best known "information content" study was undertaken by Fama, Fisher, Jensen, and Roll [8] (hereafter FFJR). Using the capital asset pricing model developed by Sharpe [16] and Lintner [13], FFJR confirmed Barker's earlier findings regarding the effect of cash dividend changes. To ascertain each split security's "abnormal performance" around the time of a split (i.e., its rate of return unaccounted for by the security's ordinary risk-return relationship vis-a-vis the market), FFJR estimated systematic risk after eliminating
Characterization of soil quality: Physical and chemical criteria

The impact of soil degradation on human welfare and the global environment presents a major challenge. A significant decline in soil quality has occurred worldwide through adverse changes in its physical, chemical and biological attributes and contamination by inorganic and organic chemicals. There is a need to develop criteria to evaluate soil quality so that the progress of any corrective action required by the international community can be monitored. There currently are no generally accepted criteria to evaluate changes in soil quality. This lack impedes the design and evaluation of meaningful soil management programs. This paper examines the principal physical and chemical attributes that can serve as indicators of a change in soil quality under particular agroclimatic conditions. Proposed indicators include soil depth to a root restricting layer, available water-holding capacity, bulk density/penetration resistance, hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability, organic matter, nutrient availability/retention capacity, pH, and where appropriate, electrical conductivity and exchangeable sodium. We also discuss the justification for selecting these key attributes, their measurement, critical limits for monitoring changes in soil productivity, and future research needs in soil quality.