Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct Development of Functionally Mature Tryptase/Chymase Double‐Positive Connective Tissue‐Type Mast Cells from Primate Embryonic Stem Cells

Conditions that influence the selective development or recruitment of connective tissue‐type and mucosal‐type mast cells (MCs) are not well understood. Here, we report that cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem (ES) cells cocultured with the murine aorta‐gonad‐mesonephros‐derived stromal cell line AGM‐S1 differentiated into cobblestone (CS)‐like cells by day 10–15. When replated onto fresh AGM‐S1 with the addition of stem cell factor, interleukin‐6, and Flt3 ligand, these CS‐like cells displayed robust growth and generated almost 100% tryptase/chymase double‐positive MCs within 3 weeks. At all time points, the percentage of tryptase‐positive cells did not exceed that of chymase‐positive cells. These ES‐derived MCs were CD45+/Kit+/CD31+/CD203c+/HLA‐DR− and coexpressed a high‐affinity IgE receptor on their surface, which was upregulated after IgE exposure. Electron microscopy showed that they contained many electron dense granules. Moreover, ES‐derived MCs responded to stimulation by via IgE and substance P by releasing histamine. These results indicate that ES‐derived MCs have the phenotype of functionally mature connective tissue‐type MCs. The rapid maturation of ES‐derived MCs suggests a unique embryonic pathway in primates for early development of connective tissue‐type MCs, which may be independent from the developmental pathway of mucosal‐type MCs.
Preliminary Evaluation of a Computer-Assisted Tool for the Design and Adjustment of Braces in Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Prospective and Randomized Study

Study Design. Prospective and randomized clinical study. Objectives. To evaluate the correction of the spine obtained using a 3-dimensional visualization software tool developed to assist the design and adjustment of braces compared with the correction obtained with the conventional method in a cohort of subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Summary of Background Data. The optimal design and adjustment of trim lines, pad placement, and areas of relief for the Boston brace system in AIS are currently done using clinical examination and coronal radiographs. Correction of spinal curves in the coronal plane has been achieved with this technique, but 3-dimensional correction has yet to be demonstrated. Methods. Forty-eight consecutive subjects with AIS requiring treatment with a Boston brace were prospectively entered in the study. For 24 patients (test group), brace design and adjustment was obtained using the computer-assisted tool combining surface topography, surface pressure measurement, and 3-dimensional reconstructions of the trunk, while design and adjustment for the remaining subjects (control group) was done in the conventional manner. Immediate in-brace correction of the spine at the initial visit was compared in both groups. Results. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, curve type, and average deformity in both the coronal and sagittal planes. The average prebrace thoracic deformity was 35° of Cobb angle, while the average lumbar curve was 32° in the test group and 35° in controls. A statistically and clinically significant improvement in correction of coronal curves and of curves in the plane of maximal deformity was found for both thoracic and lumbar curves in both groups, but the improvement was significantly greater in the test group. The average in-brace correction in the test group was 12° ± 7° compared with 7° ± 5° in the control group for thoracic curves, while the average in-brace correction in the test group was 10° ± 5° compared with 6° ± 5° in the control group for lumbar curves. Similar average corrections were detected in the plane of maximal deformity. In addition, a significant improvement in the orientation of the plane of maximum deformity from 37° to 23° for lumbar curves was noted only in the test group, indicating that true 3-dimensional correction by the brace was obtained in this group. Conclusion. It is possible to improve the design and adjustment of braces in AIS and to achieve 3-dimensional correction of scoliotic curves with the use of a computer-assisted tool allowing 3-dimensional visualization of the spinal curves and the external shape of the trunk.
Investigation of Cerebral Development and Injury in the Prematurely Born Primate by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Histopathology

We summarize the preliminary results of brain histopathology and magnetic resonance imaging applied to a premature baboon model developed for evaluation of the pathogenesis and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Cerebral development was assessed in 10 gestational control animals at time points of 125, 140 and 160 days of gestation (dg). On the basis of histopathology, conventional MRI and diffusion MRI, 125 dg is equivalent to 26–28 weeks of human gestation, 140 dg is equivalent to 30–32 weeks, and 160 dg is equivalent to term. Preliminary data are also presented for 33 experimental cases delivered at 125 dg, nursed for 2 weeks in an intensive care facility, and sacrificed at 139–140 dg. The commonest neuropathology in this cohort is white matter damage, manifest by reactive astrogliosis or activated microglia, and enlarged ventricular size. Subarachnoid, germinal matrix and intraventricular hemorrhages are also common. These preliminary results support the similarity of this model to the human preterm infant for both cerebral development and the pattern of cerebral injury. The prematurely born baboon appears an important model for the study of preterm human birth.
Peculiarities of Applying the Theory of International Business by Russian Oil and Gas Companies

The article is devoted to the specific use of theoretical and methodological provisions of the international business of domestic oil and gas companies in practical entrepreneurship. It addresses the following issues— the importance of the agreement of OPEC+; international oil and gas business as a system, criteria of allocation of categories of oil and gas majors; options indicators and international megaprojects; the changing of the vector of cooperation of high-profile domestic companies with foreign partners. The implementation of the agreement will change the balance of supply and demand in the world oil market. As a result, prices will rise to 58 to 63 dollars per barrel. This price is acceptable for the domestic core businesses, and for Russia, which is one of the main manufacturers and main suppliers of this resource. However, probably the level of prices can persist for a relatively short period because this indicator affects a large number of factors. It has been established that the participation of foreign companies in business projects is beneficial for Russian companies, since they are investors and innovators, which help to accelerate the development of deposits or the construction of infrastructure facilities. It is determined that the most important parameter, which can characterise the position of a major, is a high level of competitive advantages, which is measured by indicators linked to a specific year. The conclusion is that the Russian specialised companies successfully adapt to new macroeconomic conditions, including prices for hydrocarbons and increase their competitive advantage, increase production efficiency, increasing the volumes of supply to world markets.
Does A Market Systems Approach Revitalize Smallholder Irrigation Schemes? Evidence from Zimbabwe

Smallholder irrigation schemes potentially improve the livelihoods of rural communities in developing countries. However, they face challenges such as infrastructural decline, lack of funding, lack of markets, shortage of water, underutilization of land, and inefficient irrigation systems. In Zimbabwe, the government carried out rehabilitation programs to address these problems but the performance of smallholder irrigation schemes remained poor. These chronic challenges triggered experts to adopt a market systems approach (MSA) to revitalize failing irrigation schemes. Using primary and secondary data sources collected in 2015, this study used a “before” and “after” descriptive assessment approach to determine the effectiveness of the MSA at revitalizing smallholder irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe. We used Mutema Irrigation Scheme as a case study. Results suggest that the MSA leads to improved efficiency of irrigation infrastructure, farm gross margins, willingness to pay irrigation fees and farmers’ standard of living. While this research does not econometrically establish causation of relations between variables involved, our results provide a foundation for future research on the application of the MSA to revitalize underperforming smallholder irrigation schemes in developing countries.
Cognitive enhancement as a pharmacotherapy target for stimulant addiction.

BACKGROUND No medications have been proven to be effective for cocaine and methamphetamine addiction. Attenuation of drug reward has been the main strategy for medications development, but this approach has not led to effective treatments. Thus, there is a need to identify novel treatment targets in addition to the brain reward system. AIM To propose a novel treatment strategy for stimulant addiction that will focus on medications enhancing cognitive function and attenuating drug reward. METHODS Pre-clinical and clinical literature on potential use of cognitive enhancers for stimulant addiction pharmacotherapy was reviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Cocaine and methamphetamine users show significant cognitive impairments, especially in attention, working memory and response inhibition functions. The cognitive impairments seem to be predictive of poor treatment retention and outcome. Medications targeting acetylcholine and norepinephrine are particularly well suited for enhancing cognitive function in stimulant users. Many cholinergic and noradrenergic medications are on the market and have a good safety profile and low abuse potential. These include galantamine, donepezil and rivastigmine (cholinesterase inhibitors), varenicline (partial nicotine agonist), guanfacine (alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist) and atomoxetine (norepinephrine transporter inhibitor). Future clinical studies designed optimally to measure cognitive function as well as drug use behavior would be needed to test the efficacy of these cognitive enhancers for stimulant addiction.
Molecular Cloning of the Fujinami Sarcoma Virus Genome and Its Comparison with Sequences of Other Related Transforming Viruses

Full-length proviral DNA of Fujinami sarcoma virus (FSV) of chickens was molecularly cloned and characterized. An analysis of FSV DNA integrated in mammalian cells showed that restriction endonuclease SacI has a single cleavage site on FSV DNA. Unintegrated closed circular FSV DNA obtained from newly infected cells was linearized by digestion with SacI and cloned into λgtWES·λB. The following three different molecules were isolated: FSV-1 (4.4 kilobases [kb]) and FSV-2 (4.7 kb), which appeared to be full-length FSV DNA molecules containing either one or two copies of the long terminal repeat structure, and FSV-3 (6 kb), which consisted of part FSV DNA and part DNA of unknown origin. An analysis of the structure of cloned FSV-1 and FSV-2 DNA molecules by restriction endonuclease mapping and hybridization with appropriate probes showed that about 2.6 kb of the FSV-unique sequence called FSV-fps is located in the middle of the FSV genome and is flanked by helper virus-derived sequences of about 1.3 kb at the 5′ end and 0.5 kb at the 3′ end. The long terminal repeats of FSV were found to have no cleavage site for either EcoRI or PvuI. Upon transfection, both FSV-1 DNA and FSV-2 DNA were able to transform mammalian fibroblasts. Four 32P-labeled DNA fragments derived from different portions of the FSV-fps sequence were used for hybridization to viral RNAs. We found that sequences within the 3′ half of the FSV-fps gene are homologous to RNAs of PRCII avian sarcoma virus and the Snyder-Theilen strain of feline sarcoma virus, both of which were previously shown to contain transforming genes related to FSV-fps. These results suggest that the 3′ portion of the FSV-fps sequence may be crucial for the transforming activity of fps-related oncogenic sequences.
ARE THERE ANY PARTICULARITIES IN CROHN'S DISEASE IN NORTH-EASTERN ROMANIA?

UNLABELLED Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the gastro-intestinal tract with an evolution marked by activity and remission periods. Lately, the incidence and evolution models of Crohn's disease significantly changed, an increasing number of patients presenting more severe forms. The aim of the study is to analyze Crohn's disease in its phenotypic classification and to establish correlation between the localization, the behavior and the activity of Crohn's disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS A transversal study on 53 patients with Crohn's disease was conducted. RESULTS from the 53 patients, 56.6% were males, 85% from the urban areas. Under the phenotype aspect, the colonic localization (49.1%) and the inflammatory behavior (52.8%) were predominant. More severe forms of activity were discovered to patients with ileal localization (57.1%) or with penetrant phenotype (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS Male patients from urban areas were predominant. The most frequent forms are the colonic and ileocolonic forms. From a behavioral point of view, we observed an obvious predominance of the inflammatory phenotype. The moderate--severe activity was predominant for the ileal localization and the mild-- moderate activity for the colonic and ileocolonic localization. A mild--moderate activity is present for the stenosing forms and a moderate--severe one for the penetrant forms.
Diversication Advantages During the Global Financial Crisis

In this paper, I investigate whether being part of a business group mitigated the effects of the global financial crisis for Swedish firms. The crisis is used as an exogenous shock to firms' external financing. The investments made by business group firms are compared to those made by standalone firms. I find that being part of a business group had a mitigating effect on the impact of the crisis on firm investments. Firms that were part of a business group reduced their investments by significantly less than standalone rms. These differences are driven by a diversification effect among business group firms due to the use of internal capital markets and easier access to external financing. I present evidence of increased internal capital market activity during the crisis. Finally, my results suggest that business group firms profitability increased relative to the profitability of standalone firms after the crisis.
Income Diversity and Nonprofit Financial Health

Using a select set of literature, this chapter reviews the progress in the line of research focusing on nonprofit income diversity and issues of financial health. General consensus exists on the diversity of revenue dependence across nonprofit fields, revealing heavy dependence on commercial revenue by some, on private contributions by others and diversified sources by others. We also address recent developments in theory building and testing that help explain these patterns. Although the literature on revenue diversification reveal mixed results, the general pattern shows a positive association between diversification and financial stability. However, close attention to the composition of an income portfolio is needed. Conversely, revenue concentration is generally associated with financial growth, albeit tempered by an increasing recognition of the limits of persistently concentrated revenue portfolios. We conclude by addressing the merits and gaps in current research, including the quality of current data, its access, scope and specificity.
Customer Involvement in Innovation: A Review of Literature and Future Research Directions

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this research is to review empirical research on customer involvement in innovation and identify future research directions that can better connect this research with marketing strategy literatures and offer opportunities for further theoretical development. Methodology/approach We conduct a review of empirical articles published in eight leading marketing and innovation journals between 2001 and 2017. Findings The review shows that the literature on customer involvement in innovation is highly diverse and fragmented, lacking a common understanding of what constitutes customer involvement in innovation and its theoretical underpinnings. There exists a multitude of conceptualizations of customer involvement in innovation, which limits effective accumulation of domain knowledge. A large number of studies have taken the customer’s perspective to examine their motivation to participate and ability to contribute, whereas less research has been done from the firm’s perspective to understand how firms may effectively manage the well-recognized challenges of customer involvement as well as the implications of customer involvement for long-term innovation strategy and overall performance. Based on the review, we offer recommendations for future research. Practical implications We identify important questions for future research that are highly relevant for the practice of customer involvement in innovation. Originality/value We provide a systematic review of the rapidly growing empirical research on customer involvement in innovation. We evaluate key points of differences in the literature and offer a synthesis that helps identify opportunities for future research.
The Costs of ETF Membership: Valuation Effect of ETFs on Underlying Firms

In this paper we investigate the effect of exchange traded funds (ETFs) on the value of their underlying stocks and the channels through which ETFs impact firm value. We find that ETFs increase underlying stocks’ systematic volatility, short interest, liquidity, and institutional ownership. The effects of ETFs on these stock characteristics are particularly pronounced for small stocks. More importantly, we find that ETFs have a significantly negative impact on firm value, especially for small firms, and that systematic volatility and short interest are the two main channels through which ETFs impact firm value. Although stock liquidity and institutional ownership generally have a positive effect on firm value, increases in stock liquidity and institutional ownership driven by the changes in ETFs have a negative effect on firm value because these increases facilitate active short-selling activities by investors.
“Turbulent” electrical transport in copper powders

Compressed copper powder has a very large electrical resistance (1 MΩ), due to the oxide layer on grains (100 μm). We observe that its voltage-current U-I characteristics are nonlinear, and undergo an instability, from an insulating to a conductive state at relatively small applied voltages. Current through the powder is then noisy, and the noise has interesting self-similar properties, including intermittency and scale invariance. We show that heat dissipation plays an essential role in the physics of the system. One piece of evidence is that the instability threshold always corresponds to the same Joule dissipated power whatever the applied stress. In addition, we observe long-time correlations which suggest that thermal expansion locally creates or destroys contacts, and is the driving mechanism behind the instability and noise observed in this granular system.
International Organization and the Study of World Politics

A distinct subfield of international relations, IPE, has emerged over the last thirty years, largely in the pages of International Organization. IPE began with the study of international political economy, but over time its boundaries have been set more by a series of theoretical debates than by subject matter. These debates have been organized around points of contestation between specific research programs, reflecting fundamental differences among the generic theoretical orientations in which these research programs are embedded. The fate of specific research programs has depended on their ability to specify cause and effect relationships and to operationalize relevant variables. Scholarship in IPE has become more sophisticated both methodologically and theoretically, and many of its insights have been incorporated into policy discussions. Past points of contestation, including those between realism and its liberal challengers and between various conceptions of domestic structure and international relations, help us to understand recent debates between rationalism and constructivism.
The breast cancer low‐penetrance allele 1100delC in the CHEK2 gene is not present in Spanish familial breast cancer population

Searching for low‐penetrance genes involved in breast cancer susceptibility has been a field of interest in the last few years. Recently, the CHEK 2 gene, involved in DNA damage and replication checkpoints, has been pointed out as a good candidate; moreover, a specific variant in this gene,1100delC, has been found to increase breast cancer susceptibility among familial breast cancer cases not attributable to mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. In our present study, we evaluated the role of the 1100delC variant as a susceptibility allele in breast cancer in the Spanish population. However, our results suggest that this variant is absent or very infrequent in our population, making its screening irrelevant from the practical point of view. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A deterministic, coherent, and dual-polarized laboratory study of microwave backscattering from water waves, Part I: Short gravity waves without wind

The fundamental mechanisms of microwave backscattering from mechanically generated short gravity waves with 25-cm wavelength have been investigated in the laboratory using a CW coherent dual-polarized focused radar operating at 9.23 GHz and a laser scanning slope gauge which provides an almost instantaneous profile of the water surface while scattering is taking place. The surface was also monitored independently for specular reflection using an optical sensor. It is found that microwave backscattering occurs in discrete bursts which are highly correlated with "gentle" breaking of the waves. These backscattering bursts are either completely nonspecular or are partially specular in nature. The specular contribution is found to be more important than generally expected, even at moderate to high incidence angles, and its source seems to be the specular facets in the turbulent wake and the capillary waves generated during breaking. Completely nonspecular backscattering bursts are analyzed by using the Method of Moments to compute numerically the backscattering complex amplitudes from the measured profiles and then comparing the computed results with the measured results. Using numerical modeling, it can be shown that for a wave in the process of breaking, its small-radius crest is the predominant scattering source in a manner akin to wedge diffraction as described by the Geometric Theory of Diffraction (GTD). The parasitic capillary waves generated during wave breaking also scatter. Their contribution is in general smaller than that of the crest and can be understood in terms of small-perturbation theory. The relationship between GTD and small-perturbation theory in the description of wedge diffraction is established. Implications of these results for microwave backscattering from the ocean surface are examined.