Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pulsed electromagnetic fields rapidly modulate intracellular signaling events in osteoblastic cells: Comparison to parathyroid hormone and insulin

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) devices are approved for the healing of bone nonunions, but there is a lack of understanding as to their mechanism of action at the cell and molecular level. Intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) therapy is currently utilized for treatment of osteoporosis, and is also being investigated for the purpose of augmenting fracture healing. Insulin and IGF‐1 are also thought to play important anabolic roles in osteogenesis. In this report, signaling pathways activated by acute PTH or insulin treatments were compared to those activated by PEMF treatment in osteoblast‐like cells. Some signaling molecules like the extracellular response kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2) and the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) were activated by insulin and PTH, respectively, but not by PEMF treatment. Other signaling molecules like the insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1), the S6 ribosomal subunit kinase, and the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were phosphorylated by PTH, insulin, and PEMF to the same relative extent and within the same time frame. IRS‐1, eNOS, and S6 have been implicated in bone anabolism, and our results suggest that the anabolic effects of PEMF may be mediated, in part, through the activation of these proteins. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:933–940, 2007
Forecasting and Trading Commodity Contract Spreads with Gaussian Processes

Gaussian Processes are general statistical models for nonlinear regression and classification that have recently received wide attention in the machine learning community, having originally been introduced in geostatistics (where they are known under the name “Kriging”.) They differ from neural networks in that they engage in a full Bayesian treatment, supplying a complete posterior distribution of forecasts. For regression, they are also computationally relatively simple to implement, the basic model requiring only solving a system of linear equations, albeit one of size equal to the number of training examples (requiring O(N3) computation). This paper examines the use Gaussian Processes to forecast the evolution of futures contracts spreads arising on the commodities markets. Contrarily to most forecasting techniques which rely on modeling the short-term dynamics of a time series (e.g. arima and most neural-network models), an appropriate representation of the input and target variables allows the Gaussian Process to forecast the complete future trajectory of the spread. Furthermore, as a customary outcome of using Gaussian Processes, the forecast includes not only the expectation of future spread prices (across time-steps), but their joint autocovariance matrix as well. We introduce a technique to exploit this joint autocovariance matrix in order to profitably trade spreads, based on maximizing an information ratio criterion between candidate entry-exit points and constantly monitoring the position with revised forecasts as the spread realization unfolds. This approach results in a qualitatively very different methodology than a classical mean-variance portfolio construction based on short-term forecasts, yielding models that do not overtrade yet react quickly to changes in market conditions. We present simultation results on historical data to validate the approach.
Terrorist Attacks, Managerial Sentiment, and Corporate Policies

This paper examines whether extreme negative events such as terrorist attacks and mass shootings affect the sentiment of managers and consequently affect corporate policies. Specifically, we conjecture that terrorist events invoke negative sentiment among local corporate managers, which would induce them to adopt more conservative corporate policies. Consistent with our conjecture, we find that firms located near extreme negative events increase cash holdings, and reduce R&D expenditure as well as long-term leverage. These effects are temporary and they become weaker as the firm-event distance increases. Further, firms managed by younger CEOs exhibit a greater sensitivity to the events. We also find that salient events with greater media coverage induce larger shifts in corporate policies.
Interleukin-4-Promoted T Helper 2 Responses Enhance Nippostrongylus brasiliensis-Induced Pulmonary Pathology

ABSTRACT The role of CD4+ T-cell interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) expression in T helper 2 (TH2) immune responses has not been defined. To examine this role, we infected CD4+ T-cell IL-4Rα knockout (KO) mice with the parasitic nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, which induces strong host TH2 responses. Although N. brasiliensis expulsion was not affected in CD4+ T-cell IL-4Rα KO mice, the associated lung pathology was reduced. Infected CD4+ T-cell IL-4Rα KO mice showed abrogation of airway mucus production. Furthermore, CD4+ T-cell IL-4Rα KO mouse lungs contained reduced numbers of lymphocytes and eosinophils. Restimulation of pulmonary region-associated T-cell populations showed that TH2 cytokine responses were disrupted. Secretion of IL-4, but not secretion of IL-13 or IL-5, from mediastinal lymph node CD4+ T cells was reduced in infected CD4+ T-cell IL-4Rα KO mice. Restimulation of tissue-derived CD4+ T cells resulted in equivalent levels of IL-4 and IL-13 on day 7 postinfection (p.i.) in control and CD4+ T-cell IL-4Rα KO mice. By day 10 p.i. the TH2 cytokine levels had significantly declined in CD4+ T-cell IL-4Rα KO mice. Restimulation with N. brasiliensis antigen of total lung cell populations and populations with CD4+ T cells depleted showed that CD4+ T cells were a key TH2 cytokine source. These data demonstrated that CD4+ T-cell IL-4 responsiveness facilitates eosinophil and lymphocyte recruitment, lymphocyte localization, and TH2 cytokine production in the allergic pathology associated with N. brasiliensis infections.
New product development proficiency and multi‐country product rollout timeliness

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to address a gap in the understanding of the indirect effects of marketing and technical factors on time efficiency in developing a new product and international new product launch.Design/methodology/approach: This paper adopts a contingency perspective in examining the relationships between antecedents and on-time completion (or timeliness) of new product development (NPD) and international new product rollout (INPR). A conceptual framework is tested based on data obtained on 232 NPD projects undertaken by Korean firms. Findings: The results show that NPD proficiencies mediate to a greater or lesser extent the effects of key antecedents (e.g. cross-functional linkages, project fit with available marketing resources, and effective coordination of headquarters-subsidiary/agents' activities) on timeliness in NPD and INPR. Research limitations/implications : Empirical research on the role of marketing and technical proficiencies in improving NPD timeliness and rollout timeliness in the context of international NPD affirms the importance of adopting a contingency perspective in examining the antecedents of NPD and multi-market entry timeliness. Practical implications: This paper lends insight into the role of overseas subsidiaries or agents in helping to build the technical proficiencies of emerging country companies. Originality/value ? This is the first review focusing on the mediating influences on time dimensions (e.g. timeliness) in multi-country product launches.
Corporate tax rate as a determinant of systematic risk: Evidence from Pakistani cement sector

The main purpose of this study is to find the influence of corporate tax rate on systematic risk with three more variables (leverage, return on assets and market value of equity) by using cement sector data of Pakistan. This study used fifteen cement manufacturer data from 2004 to 2009 and fixed effect panel data random regression model. The result showed that corporate tax rate is not a determinant of systematic risk, but showed its effect through leverage, which is having statistically significant relationship with systematic risk. This study showed that leverage had significant influence in determining systematic risk and had positive relationship with systematic risk; whereas return on assets and market value of equity are positively related with systematic risk but had no significant influence on systematic risk. This study investigated the influence of corporate tax rate on systematic risk. This study also presented the managerial and policy related implications and recommendations from the study findings. Key words: Systematic risk, corporate tax rate, leverage, returns on assets, market value of equity, debt to equity ratio.
MODERASI BIAYA BERALIH PADA PENGARUH KUALITAS LAYANAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN PELANGGAN DAN KEPUASAN PELANGGAN TERHADAP LOYALITAS PELANGGAN (Studi pada PTS X)

This study aims to examine the moderating role of switching cost on two effects, which are: the effect of service quality on customer satisfaction and service quality effect on customer loyalty. In addition, this study also examines the effect of service quality, switching cost and customer satisfaction, on customer loyalty. Finally, the effect of service quality on customer satisfaction is also tested. The analysis tool used is SEM with LISREL 8.80 software. In order to implement the results, it was conducted the correlation analysis between the dimensions of the independent variables with dimensions on the dependent variable. As a result, the switching cost is not provenas a moderator variable. Service quality has positive and significant effects on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Switching cost is proven positively and significantly effects customer loyalty. It was proven that customer satisfaction did not effects customer loyalty. Dimensions which dominant correlated are: the dimension of empathy with the core service dimension, dimension of empathy with dimension of loyalty attitude; and dimension of relational cost with behavioral loyalty dimension.
Motivation, Knowledge Transfer, and Organizational Forms

Employees are motivated intrinsically as well as extrinsically. Intrinsic motivation is crucial when tacit knowledge in and between teams must be transferred. Organizational forms enable different kinds of motivation and have different capacities to generate and transfer tacit knowledge. Since knowledge generation and transfer are essential for a firm's sustainable competitive advantage, we ask specifically what kinds of motivation are needed to generate and transfer tacit knowledge, as opposed to explicit knowledge.
Aging Effect on Foot Dynamics during Unexpected Slips

Slip-induced fall accidents have been recognized as a serious threat to the health of the elderly.The objective of the current study was to investigate the aging effect on the biomechanical reactions of both perturbed foot and unperturbed foot to the unexpected slips. Nineteen younger (mean age: 25.0 years old) and twenty-one older (mean age: 71.2 years old) adults were involved in a laboratory study,in which slippery surface was induced during walkingwithout their awareness.The reactive responses of both slipping foot and unperturbed foot were quantified by optical motion capture system and force platforms.The results indicate a characteristic toe-touch strategy by the unperturbed foot after slip starts. Significant aging effects were found in touch down base of support created by the unperturbed foot. It was concluded that the unperturbed foot is important to facilitate successful recovery from unexpected. Specifically, in order to prevent age-related slip-induced falls, it is important for the unperturbed foot to create sufficient base of support in anterior-posterior direction and to control the base of support in media-lateral direction.
Duration Reproduction: Lossy Integration and Effects of Sensory Modalities, Cognitive Functioning, Age, and Sex

The “dual klepsydra model” (DKM) of internal time representation successfully models duration reproduction data, but relations between the DKM-based parameter κ (“loss rate”) and procedural variables (presentation modality) or individual characteristics (cognitive indices, age, sex) remained as yet unexplored. For that purpose, we re-analyzed data from an earlier time reproduction study (N = 100), using visually or acoustically presented intervals of 1–5 sec. duration. Typical values of parameter κ were ≈0.03–0.04 sec. −1, corresponding to relaxation times of internal “lossy integrators” of ≈30 sec. Significant effects of presentation modality (smaller κ values for the visual reproduction task) and of age (greater κ in acoustic reproduction with increasing age) were observed. Cognitive variables (working memory, general fluid reasoning, attention) and sex of participants were not associated with κ. Cognitive functions seem to play only a minor, if any, role at the level of time representation addressed by the DKM.
Cytomegalovirus seroprevalence is not higher in patients with mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome.

The novel work by Herne et al[1][1] reported very high seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) (97.4%) in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) when compared with matched bone marrow donors (57.3% seropositivity) in a teaching hospital (University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX)
Flat Small Intestinal Mucosa and Autoantibodies Against the Gut Epithelium

A male infant, aged 1 year 3 months, was admitted to the hospital with protracted diarrhoea, vomiting, and weight loss. The diarrhoea and vomiting coincided with an outbreak of acute diarrhoea and vomiting affecting other family members. Biopsy showed a flat small intestinal mucosa which did not respond to a diet free of gluten, cow's milk, and eggs, or during 8 weeks of intravenous alimentation. Steroids were given, and courses of nalcrom and later cimetidine, but these did not produce any significant improvement. A rare IgG autoantibody specific for gut epithelium was found, which, when present, was associated with a cytological abnormality of crypt enteroblasts. The autoantibody disappeared after treatment with cyclophosphamide, and the cytological abnormality subsequently diminished. However, the mucosa remained severely abnormal and has been so for 23 months. It is possible that an autoimmune reaction against the patient's small intestinal mucosa has led to persistence of the enteropathy.
FINANCING DECISIONS AND TARGET BEHAVIOR

〈SUMMARY〉 This study investigates whether firms rebalance their capital structures toward an established target. Using data for listed Japanese companies from 1971-2008, we find that firms on average are more likely to rebalance when the deviation from the target is larger. Target-directed financing behavior is asymmetrical between firms with financial surpluses (above-target debt) and those with financial deficits (below-target debt). We find that firms with above-target debt and financial deficits issue debt and deviate further from established targets. Rebalancing by debt retirement is more likely to occur when firms have financial surpluses than when they have financial deficits.
Effect of Vitamin E on Platelet Aggregation in Diabetes Mellitus

Summary Vitamin E is known to be an inhibitor of platelet prostaglandin production and aggregation. The rate of platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate was significantly increased in diabetics with proliferative retinopathy and the enhanced production of thromboxane B2, a stable metabolite of thromboxane A2, was demonstrated in those patients. On the other hand, vitamin E in platelets was significantly reduced in diabetics compared with age matched controls. In addition, it was shown that vitamin E content in platelets examined in diabetic and control subjects inversely correlated with both the rate of platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 production during aggregation. It is suggested that the reduced vitamin E levels in diabetic platelets can contribute to the mechanisms of the enhanced platelet thromboxane production and aggregation which relate to the development of vascular complications.
Possible mechanisms responsible for the reduced intestinal flora in hibernating leopard frogs (Rana pipiens)

Mechanisms and factors that normally control the large intestinal flora were investigated to determine whether changes in these parameters could account for the decreased bacterial concentration and facultative nature of the flora found in hibernating frogs. It appeared that low temperatures and limited nutrients were the main factors responsible for the decrease in the bacterial concentration and may also have been responsible for the increase in the proportions of facultative organisms, since no change in the redox potential was seen. The hibernating frogs were extremely sluggish in the removal of India ink particles from the circulatory system by the Kupffer cells of the liver compared with nonhibernating frogs. They were unable to mount an antibody response to bovine serum albumin, but their serum did exhibit killing of Pseudomonas paucimobilis, suggesting opsonization by preformed antibody and complement. The role of these host factors in protecting the hibernating frog against this indigenous flora is discussed.
Human endogenous retrovirus type I-related viruses have an apparently widespread distribution within vertebrates

Retroviruses from lower vertebrate hosts have been poorly characterized to date. Few sequences have been isolated, and those which have been reported are all highly divergent when compared to the retroviruses known to be harbored by mammals and birds. Here we show that retroviruses with significant homology to the human endogenous retrovirus type I (HERV-I) are present within the genomes of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals and that they may well be widespread within many vertebrates. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences strongly supported the inclusion of viruses from each of these vertebrate classes into one monophyletic group. This analysis also demonstrated that the HERV-I-related viruses are more closely related to retroviruses belonging to the murine leukemia virus genus than to members of the other retroviral genera. The presence of HERV-I-related retroviruses in so many disparate vertebrate hosts suggests that other endogenous human retroviruses may also have a much wider distribution than is currently appreciated.
Potential Factors That Affect Electrocardiographic Progression of Interatrial Block

Introduction: Interatrial block (IAB; P wave ≥ 110 ms) is associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias and left atrial electromechanical dysfunction. This subtle abnormality is highly prevalent and may exist as partial (pIAB) or advanced IAB (aIAB). Indeed, theoretically pIAB could progress to aIAB with worsening interatrial conduction over time. However, this has been poorly investigated. We retrospectively appraised this phenomenon and also evaluated the influence of common clinical factors such as coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension (HTN), and use of antihypertensive medications.
ROBERT SCHUMAN CENTRE FOR ADVANCED STUDIES

Despite having always been assumed to be true, a relationship between the independence of regulatory agencies and their performance has never been formally tested. This paper aims at verifying whether formal regulatory independence affects the performance of national competition authorities in the EU member states. The author presents and discusses a statistical analysis which shows that greater formal independence leads competition authorities to investigate more cases and to issue more decisions.
Tests for Candidate‐Gene Association Using Case‐Parents Design

In the case‐parents design for testing candidate‐gene association, the conditional likelihood method based on genotype relative risks has been developed recently. A specific relation of the genotype relative risks is referred to as a genetic model. The efficient score tests have been used when the genetic model is correctly specified under the alternative hypothesis. In practice, however, it is usually not able to specify the genetic model correctly. In the latter situation, tests such as the likelihood ratio test (LRT) and the MAX3 (the maximum of the three score statistics for dominant, additive, and recessive models) have been used. In this paper, we consider the restricted likelihood ratio test (RLRT). For a specific genetic model, simulation results demonstrate that RLRT is asymptotically equivalent to the score test, and both are more powerful than the LRT. When the genetic model cannot be correctly specified, the simulation results show that RLRT is most robust and powerful in the situations we studied. MAX3 is the next most robust and powerful test. The TDT is the easiest statistic to compute, compared to MAX3 and RLRT. When the recessive model can be eliminated, it is also as robust and powerful as RLRT for other genetic models.
CMOS-Compatible Si-Ring-Assisted Mach–Zehnder Interferometer With Internal Bandwidth Equalization

We demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, the first electrooptic ring-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometric (RAMZI) modulator in a CMOS-compatible technology. The RAMZI modulator is manufactured on a CMOS-compatible platform and entirely fabricated in a commercial CMOS foundry. We demonstrate a small-signal 3-dB bandwidth >15 GHz in a silicon-based carrier-depletion modulator with a 2-V·cm V¿L product, which is approximately two times smaller than previously reported. We achieved a 10-Gb/s eye diagram with a 2-dB extinction ratio using a 4-Vp-p drive in a modulator with a 680-¿m optic/RF interaction region. In addition, we demonstrate internal bandwidth equalization within the tunable CMOS-compatible RAMZI modulator, and discuss the optical carrier and modulation sideband response, and relaxation characteristics that lead to this behavior within resonant modulators.
Environmental characteristics relevant to young people's use of sports facilities: a review

Several countries spend large sums of public money building sports facilities. Still, our knowledge about the effect of these means is limited. The objectives in this review are (1) to identify relevant knowledge of how sports facilities influence young people's physical activity, (2) to clarify the status of examined and non‐examined factors and (3) to propose a conceptual model to guide future judgments. Relevant studies were located from searches in computerized databases and the bibliography of reviews. Ecological system theory uses the theoretical framework. The findings encompass 239 independent samples located in 43 studies, primarily from the field of public health. Based on these and the framework, we have developed a modified, conceptual model. The model stresses the interaction between the demographic, personal and interpersonal characteristics of the user, the consideration of access and facility characteristics and the level where this takes place. The most consistent data were found at the mesolevel and were correlated to access and user characteristics. Knowledge gaps were found at the microlevel and with regard to facility characteristics. We also know too little with respect to subgroups' different behavior in various physical settings. Finally, there is a need to confirm/disconfirm less consistent findings.