Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Board Independence of Listed Companies in the US and China

Abstract This article explores the board independence of listed companies in the US and China – an ongoing and important issue of corporate governance concerning the true independence of independent directors from management in both countries. It aims to identify what elements have an impact on board independence and examine how these influence the independence of independent directors. Four elements, independence from management; dependence on shareholders; access to information; and incentive to monitor, may have a substantial influence on board independence and align with the in-fact independence of independent directors. This article examines how and why these four elements have an impact on the effectiveness of the role of independent directors in monitoring top management and lead to independent directors failing to be truly independent of management. To support this argument, this article also investigates the efficiency and effectiveness of independent directors serving as a governance mechanism in terms of board independence in Chinese listed companies. The aim was therefore to scrutinise whether independent directors in Chinese listed companies are truly independent from management. Based on statistics calculated on data collected from CSMAR, there appears to be little evidence that independent directors serve as a governance mechanism in monitoring top management in Chinese listed companies, which thus shows that independent directors are not independent in China. The implications arising from this article are that solutions addressing the four elements that have an impact on board independence will enable independent directors to become truly independent.
Cellular distribution of CD44 gene transcripts in colorectal carcinomas and in normal colonic mucosa.

AIM: To study the cellular distribution of CD44 mRNA transcripts in tissue sections of colorectal cancer and corresponding normal colonic mucosa in order to correlate the findings with information from immunohistochemical methods and previous data from analysis by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). METHODS: In situ hybridisation (ISH) analysis of CD44 standard (CD44s) and variant (CD44v) mRNA in cryostat sections of normal and neoplastic colonic mucosa with 35S-labelled riboprobes. Immunohistochemistry was performed on cryostat sections from the same patients using monoclonal antibodies directed against epitopes encoded by CD44 exon 1 (F.10.44.2), exon 5, (Hermes 3), exon 7 (23.6.1), and exon 11 (2F10). RESULTS: CD44s and CD44v transcripts were both strikingly increased in carcinomas compared with corresponding normal mucosa and the abundant CD44v transcripts in tumour tissues were localised exclusively in the cancer cells. CD44s transcripts were present in cancer, inflammatory and resident stromal cells, but the relative amount in carcinoma cells was greater. Immunohistochemical staining broadly paralleled these results, but some clumps of tumour cells showed clear heterogeneity with regard to CD44 protein content. There were also some scattered focal discrepancies in the quantity and distribution of mRNA transcripts and proteins, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ISH technique provides powerful independent corroboration of elevated CD44 gene expression and disproportionately high transcription of CD44v isoforms in carcinoma cells observed in earlier immunohistochemical and RT-PCR studies. It unequivocally localises the abnormally elevated gene transcription within the cancer cells and not in the surrounding inflammatory cells.
CD24 blunts oral squamous cancer development and dampens the functional expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells

ABSTRACT CD24 expression has been implicated in the oncogenesis of multiple types of cancer and high tumor expression is considered a poor prognosis factor; however, the role of CD24 in oral cancer progression is unknown. Unlike other cancer types, we found that higher CD24 levels in human oral cancers are correlated to lower clinical stage and better overall survival. We then dissected the role of CD24 and mechanisms in oral cancer pathogenesis in mice using a genetic strategy and demonstrated that CD24 deficiency increased the oral cavity tumor burden in response to the carcinogen 4-nitroquioline 1-oxide (4-NQO). Immune profile analysis showed a significant expansion as well as increased suppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in CD24−/− mice, but no apparent impairment in T cells, B cells, or dendritic cells. Further, studies with an orthotopically transplanted syngeneic squamous carcinoma model in the tongue of CD24−/− and CD24+/− mice confirmed the protective roles of CD24 against cancer. Moreover, the difference in tumor growth between CD24−/− and CD24+/− mice was blunted by immunodepletion of MDSCs. We conclude that CD24 expression impedes MDSC expansion and function, and thus slows oral cancer oncogenesis. This study is the first to examine the role of CD24 in a de novo oral cancer model, and it highlights the need to consider the immune regulatory roles of CD24 in the development of CD24-targeted therapy for cancer.
THE PERCEPTION OF SELECTED ASPECTS OF INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS BY BUSINESSES MAKING INVESTMENTS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Investment attractiveness refers to the interest of the territory, area and region. Investment attractiveness refers to the competitiveness of a country within the investment environment, and investment decisions that are made by a business regarding the localization of its investments. Investment attractiveness may be de ﬁ ned as the set of factors that in ﬂ uence a business entity when making its investment decisions. Investment attractiveness re ﬂ ects how interesting the relevant territory, area or region is to businesses. The set of factors in ﬂ uencing the level of investment attractiveness are both factors that are ﬁ xed (geographic location, deposits of iron ore, large water ﬂ ows) and, secondly, the factors that from the perspective of state policy in ﬂ uenced (educated population, a policy of investment incentives, labor costs, tax rate, macroeconomic indicators – in ﬂ ation, GDP and labor productivity). There are many indicators showing the strengths and weaknesses of a country and its economy, and whether the business environment is suitable for investors or if the business environment is risky and problematic. This issue is dealt with using the theory of localization. This article interprets the results of a survey carried out that looked at the effects of selected investment factors on decisions taken by businesses making FDI – which means on the investment attractiveness of countries striving for FDI. First, based on a theoretical search, we selected speci ﬁ c factors for the inquiry that have an impact on investment decisions taken by businesses. The factors were subsequently veri ﬁ ed through a questionnaire sent to the investors. They were further veri ﬁ ed through a regression analysis.
Transactivating effect of hepatitis C virus core protein: a suppression subtractive hybridization study.

AIM To investigate the transactivating effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and to screen genes transactivated by HCV core protein. METHODS pcDNA3.1(-)-core containing full-length HCV core gene was constructed by insertion of HCV core gene into EcoRI/BamHI site. HepG2 cells were cotransfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-core and pSV-lacZ. After 48 h, cells were collected and detected for the expression of beta-gal by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. HepG2 cells were transiently transfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-core using Lipofectamine reagent. Cells were collected and total mRNA was isolated. A subtracted cDNA library was generated and constructed into a pGEM-Teasy vector. The library was amplified with E. coli strain JM109. The cDNAs were sequenced and analyzed in GenBank with BLAST search after polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS The core mRNA and protein could be detected in HepG2 cell lysate which was transfected by the pcDNA3.1(-)-core. The activity of beta-galactosidase in HepG2 cells transfected by the pcDNA3.1(-)-core was 5.4 times higher than that of HepG2 cells transfected by control plasmid. The subtractive library of genes transactivated by HCV core protein was constructed successfully. The amplified library contained 233 positive clones. Colony PCR showed that 213 clones contained 100-1 000 bp inserts. Sequence analysis was performed in 63 clones. Six of the sequences were unknown genes. The full length sequences were obtained with bioinformatics method, accepted by GenBank. It was suggested that six novel cDNA sequences might be target genes transactivated by HCV core protein. CONCLUSION The core protein of HCV has transactivating effects on SV40 early promoter/enhancer. A total of 63 clones from cDNA library were randomly chosen and sequenced. Using the BLAST program at the National Center for Biotechnology Information, six of the sequences were unknown genes. The other 57 sequences were highly similar to known genes.
Time dependent variability of QT dispersion after acute myocardial infarction and its relation to ventricular fibrillation: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE To show whether increased QT dispersion on admission predicts ventricular fibrillation after acute myocardial infarction, and to determine the nature of time related changes in QT dispersion. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Coronary care units of three teaching hospitals in Newcastle-upon-Tyne over an eight month period. PATIENTS All had acute myocardial infarction according to World Health Organization criteria. INTERVENTIONS For all patients, QT dispersion (QTd) and Bazett rate corrected QTc dispersion (QTcd) were measured from a high quality 12 lead ECG recorded on admission at a paper speed of 50 mm/s. In a subset, serial ECGs were recorded regularly to show time related changes in QTcd following acute myocardial infarction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Occurrence of ventricular fibrillation within the first 24 hours after myocardial infarction. RESULTS Data collected from 201 patients, 12 of whom (6%) developed ventricular fibrillation within 24 hours. Neither QTd nor QTcd differed between those developing ventricular fibrillation and those who did not: QTd mean (SD), 74 (24) ms (95% confidence interval (CI) 59 to 89)v 66 (24) ms (95% CI 62 to 70), respectively; QTcd, 86 (26) ms0.5 (95% CI 70 to 102)v 77 (29) ms0.5 (95% CI 72 to 82), respectively. Significant QTcd changes occurred early after myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS Admission QTd and QTcd do not predict ventricular fibrillation after acute myocardial infarction. There are significant changes in QTcd with time, which may account for this measured lack of correlation.
Complementation analysis of carotenogenic mutants of Mucor circinelloides.

Mutants of the filamentous fungus Mucor circinelloides altered in the synthesis of beta-carotene (genotype car) have been isolated by direct inspection of the color shown by the colonies derived from mutagenized spores. The mutants were analyzed for the carotenoid content in darkness and light and studied with respect to complementation in heterokaryons made by spheroplast fusion. The results revealed the existence of at least four complementation groups. The carB mutants are white and accumulate phytoene. The carR mutants are red and accumulate lycopene. The carP mutants are most likely disturbed in the synthesis of phytoene: two of them are white and do not accumulate carotenoids; another carP mutant is yellowish, probably because it is leaky. There are three yellowish mutants which belong to one or more complementation groups different from carB, carR, and carP. Two white mutants obtained in a single mutagenization step failed to complement with the carR and the carP mutants. The wild-type and the carB and carR mutants tested for M. circinelloides showed similar photoinduction.
Supportive communication in Catholic primary schools

Support from school leadership and from peers has been recognised as beneficial to the morale of teachers. It can enhance job satisfaction and can have a moderating influence on felt occupational stress. This paper reports on a study that conceptualised support as three distinct dimensions of organisational communication. The three dimensions are described in terms of their manifestation as communication practices in schools. Relationships between these dimensions and job satisfaction and occupational stress of school staff members were also investigated. The participants were three hundred and fifty six staff members from primary schools of Catholic diocesan systems across New South Wales, Australia. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained using a questionnaire survey. The findings suggest that supportive communication can indeed be beneficial to school staff. Implications for school leadership teams and staff members are discussed. Introduction It cannot be denied that communication performs a number of vital functions in organisations. A number of theorists have, in the past, attempted to categorise organisational communication according to its functions. Communication can be used to share information or for the purpose of regulating behaviour of staff members (Samson & Daft, 2005). People in organisations communicate to innovate and change in response to changing environments (Hoy & Miskel, 2008; Rafferty & Parker, 2006). They also interact as they participate in decision making and teamwork (Seibold & Shea, 2001). Another function of communication is the provision of support between superiors and subordinates and among peers (Macgeorge, Samter & Gillihan, 2005). This may be termed supportive communication. Supportive communication, as it is conceptualised here, is consistent with Etzioni’s (1961) expressive and Scott and Mitchell’s (1976) emotive functions of communication as it is concerned with expressions of feelings and deals with attitudes. The concept of supportive communication is also similar to Scott and Mitchell’s (1976) motivation function in terms of the sharing of praise and encouragement. Like Goldhaber’s (1993) human function, the supportive function serves the emotional, interpersonal and morale needs of individuals. The concept of supportive communication Supportive communication is defined, for this study, as that by which people in organisations fulfil and cater for needs for affirmation, encouragement, social interaction and assistance. The term has been used in relation to social and task support in organisations (Albrecht, Burleson & Goldsmith, 1994; Rosenfeld & Richman, 1999).
Mimotopes: realization of an unlikely concept

Theoretically it seems highly unlikely that relatively small peptides could mimic functionally discontinuous epitopes of antigens. Nevertheless various recent reports show this to be the case. Peptide mimics of protein‐, polysaccharide‐ and DNA‐epitopes have been shown to be able to replace the native epitope. Moreover, some of them are able to induce, when used in a vaccine, antibodies with the same activity as that of the antibody used as a template. These mimics, called mimotopes, can be used in vaccines and diagnostics and can be developed more or less systematically using solely antibodies and random, semi‐random and dedicated peptide arrays or libraries. Furthermore, the mimotope concept which seems to have proven itself for antibody and antigen interaction can be applied equally well to many receptor ligand interactions and thus may form a new generic approach to the development of drugs. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of leptin on the regulation of placental hormone secretion in cultured human placental cells

Placenta is an important source of leptin during pregnancy that contributes to the high plasma leptin levels in pregnant women. Leptin and its functional receptors are synthesized in trophoblast cells that, in turn, secrete gestational hormones supporting a paracrine or autocrine role for leptin in the endocrine activity of the placenta. In the present study we examined the effect of leptin on in vitro release of gestational hormones (human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), progesterone, estrogens and testosterone) by human term placental cells in culture. Placentas at term were obtained immediately after delivery from mothers with uncomplicated pregnancies. Progesterone, hCG, hPL, estradiol, estrone, estriol and testosterone levels were measured by different assays in culture media of cells maintained in monolayer culture after incubation for 12, 24, 48 or 72 h with leptin or placebo. Incubation with leptin did not modify hCG, hPL, progesterone, estriol and estrone secretion for any of the doses and times assayed. However, leptin led to a dose-dependent decrease in estradiol release. This effect was observed when treatment with recombinant human leptin spanned from 12 to 72 h. At this time an increase in testosterone levels was observed in leptin-treated cells versus placebo. These results indicate that leptin can be considered a gestational hormone implied in the endocrine function of the placenta, with an important role in control of the production of steroid reproductive hormones in placental cells in vitro.
Hypofractionated Accelerated Radiotherapy With Cytoprotection Combined With Trastuzumab, Liposomal Doxorubicine, and Docetaxel in c-erbB-2–Positive Breast Cancer

Objectives:Trastuzumab, an antic-erbB-2 monoclonal antibody, has become a standard component of chemotherapy for c-erbB-2–positive advanced breast carcinoma. Despite the experimental evidence of its radiosensitizing properties, trastuzumab has never been used in combination with radiotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally advanced disease. Patients and Methods:Twenty-two patients with c-erbB-2–positive locally advanced chemoresistant (7 patients) or with high-risk breast cancer (15 patients) were recruited in a treatment protocol combining hypofractionated/accelerated radiotherapy (hypoARC) supported with high-dose amifostine (1000 mg subcutaneous), concurrently with trastuzumab (4 mg/kg every 2 weeks). Thirteen of these patients (including all 7 inoperable cases) received concurrently chemotherapy with liposomal doxorubicin and docetaxel (25 mg/m2 and 40 mg/m2 every 2 weeks, respectively). Results:Administration of trastuzumab together with highly accelerated amifostine-supported radiotherapy was feasible without an increase in early and late radiation toxicity. This was obtained despite the concurrent administration of aggressive chemotherapy. Complete responses were noted in 5 of 7 patients with locally, often far advanced, chemoresistant disease. None of the complete responders or the 15 high-risk breast cancer patients relapsed within the 3- to 26-month follow-up period. Conclusion:Inclusion of trastuzumab in the radiochemotherapy protocols for breast cancer does not increase radiation or systemic toxicity. The concurrent administration of aggressive radiotherapy with docetaxel and liposomal doxorubicin is feasible when supported with amifostine. The value of such regimens in the treatment of locally advanced or high risk c-erbB-2 positive breast cancer patients deserves further evaluation.
Successful Use of Donepezil for the Treatment of Dementia with Lewy Bodies

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of the successful use of donepezil for treatment of cognitive and noncognitive symptoms in a patient with dementia with Lewy bodies. CASE SUMMARY: An 86-year-old white woman with dementia was experiencing early-onset significant fluctuation of her cognitive status, functional impairment, visual hallucinations, aggression, and parkinsonism. She was initially diagnosed with Alzheimer disease and Parkinson's disease and prescribed donepezil 5 mg/d and benztropine 1 mg twice daily. On reexamination of the case by a neurologist, the diagnoses were revised to dementia with Lewy bodies. The benztropine was discontinued, and donepezil was increased to 10 mg/d. The patient's cognitive and functional status significantly improved, as did her visual hallucinations. DISCUSSION: This case supports previous reports of the marked responsiveness of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. This may be explained by the marked cholinergic deficit observed in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies and the evidence linking cognitive as well as noncognitive symptoms to this deficit. CONCLUSIONS: The present case suggests that patients with dementia with Lewy bodies respond well to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Controlled trials are necessary to further define the role of these drugs for this disease.
A Study on Airbnb’s Trust Mechanism and the Effects of Cultural Values—Based on a Survey of Chinese Consumers

A sharing economy is developing rapidly worldwide, especially in China. Trust has been considered as a crucial factor in facilitating the practice of the short-term rental business, where hosts and renters are strangers. However, not only has the inherent trust-building mechanism of this newly emerged business model not been fully explored, but how cultural values affect the trust-building path also remains unknown. This study proposes a model of the trust-building mechanism in the sharing economy platforms, with three central modes—institutional trust, product trust, and interpersonal trust—and introduces national cultural values dimensions at the individual level as moderators to explore the impact on the inherent mechanism of trust-building on Airbnb. The data collected from 210 Chinese Airbnb consumers by survey provides support for the proposed structural equation model. The results show that institutional trust has a positive influence on product trust and interpersonal trust, and that product trust has a positive influence on interpersonal trust as well. For the moderating effect of cultural values, the relationship between the institutional trust and product trust is regulated by power distance (PDI), individualism (IDV), uncertainty avoidance (UAI), and long-term orientation (LTO), while the relationship between product trust and interpersonal trust is regulated by PDI, IDV, and UAI. This paper indicates that in order to foster trust in the sharing economy, practitioners should enhance institutional trust, product trust, and interpersonal trust synchronously, as these three modes of trust are positively inter-related; they must also be sensitive to local cultural value dispositions when conduct sharing business internationally.
Political Pressure on Central Banks

I construct a quarterly dataset on political pressure faced by 118 central banks from 2010 to 2018 using country-level reports. I code whether each central bank is reportedly succumbing to pressure, resisting pressure, or not facing pressure. About 10% of central banks reportedly face political pressure in an average year. Even central banks with high legal independence frequently face pressure--- nearly always for looser monetary policy. Pressure on the central bank is associated with higher inflation and inflation persistence. Pressure is more likely to come from governments with left-wing or nationalist executives, few checks and balances, or weak electoral competition.