Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Political Instability, Access to Private Debt, and Innovation Investment in China

We provide evidence from China that access to loans positively affects the probability that a firm will invest in innovation. However, the positive effect of private debt on innovation investment is significantly moderated by political instability. The cost of political instability on innovation is less severe when the entrepreneur has political connections to party leaders. Furthermore, we show that political connections increase the probability that an entrepreneur has access to direct governmental support for innovation investment. These findings are more pronounced for technology intensive industries.
What explains public support for climate policies? A review of empirical and experimental studies

The lack of broad public support prevents the implementation of effective climate policies. This article aims to examine why citizens support or reject climate policies. For this purpose, we provide a cross-disciplinary overview of empirical and experimental research on public attitudes and preferences that has emerged in the last few years. The various factors influencing policy support are divided into three general categories: (1) social-psychological factors and climate change perception, such as the positive influences of left-wing political orientation, egalitarian worldviews, environmental and self-transcendent values, climate change knowledge, risk perception, or emotions like interest and hope; (2) the perception of climate policy and its design, which includes, among others, the preference of pull over push measures, the positive role of perceived policy effectiveness, the level of policy costs, as well as the positive effect of perceived policy fairness and the recycling of potential policy revenues; (3) contextual factors, such as the positive influence of social trust, norms and participation, wider economic, political and geographical aspects, or the different effects of specific media events and communications. Finally, we discuss the findings and provide suggestions for future research. Policy relevance Public opinion is a significant determinant of policy change in democratic countries. Policy makers may be reluctant to implement climate policies if they expect public opposition. This article seeks to provide a better understanding of the various factors influencing public responses to climate policy proposals. Most of the studied factors include perceptions about climate change, policy and its attributes, all of which are amenable to intervention. The acquired insights can thus assist in improving policy design and communication with the overarching objective to garner more public support for effective climate policy.
Portugal's Parliament: An Organizational Analysis of Legislative Performance

This article evaluates the performance of the Portuguese national legislature, the Assembly of the Republic. Accepting the argument that parliamentary performance is related to the degree to which a legislature is institutionalized as a corporate body, the article seeks to determine whether there has been any such institutionalization of the Assembly since its inception nearly a decade ago. The data show it to have experienced not institutionalization but, rather, disinstitutionalization, decay, and breakdown. It is incapable of transforming the broader political conflicts of Portuguese society into workable public policy.
Osteocytes Produce Interferon-β as a Negative Regulator of Osteoclastogenesis*

Background: Global interferon-β deficiency causes osteoporosis. Lack of interferon-β production by osteoclast precursors is considered to induce excess osteoclastogenesis. Results: Isolated osteocytes express higher amount of interferon-β mRNA than osteoclast precursors and inhibit osteoclastogenesis partially in interferon-β-dependent manner. Conclusion: Osteocytes produce interferon-β as an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis. Significance: Osteocytic interferon-β might be involved in the regulation of bone homeostasis. Osteoclastogenesis is controlled by osteocytes; osteocytic osteoclastogenesis regulatory molecules are largely unknown. We searched for such factors using newly developed culture methods. Our culture system mimics the three-dimensional cellular structure of bone, consisting of collagen gel-embedded osteocytic MLO-Y4 cells, stromal ST2 cells on the gel as bone lining cells, and bone marrow cells. The gel-embedded MLO-Y4 cells inhibited the osteoclastogenesis induced by 1,25(OH)2D3 without modulating receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) production by ST2 cells, despite MLO-Y4 cells supported osteoclastogenesis in the absence of ST2 cells. In the bone marrow cell culture, the conditioned medium from MLO-Y4 cells decreased the capability of osteoclastic differentiation from the cells induced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor. This decreased capability was concomitant with an increase in protein kinase R mRNA expression and an inhibition of c-Fos translation. These changes were partially normalized by the simultaneous addition of an anti-interferon (IFN)-β neutralizing antibody to MLO-Y4 cell conditioned medium. To study primary osteocytes, we prepared non-osteocytic cell-free osteocyte-enriched bone fragments (OEBFs). When osteoclast precursors were induced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the presence of OEBFs, the generated cells exhibited a diminished capacity for osteoclastogenesis. OEBFs prepared from OPG-knock-out mice exhibited a similar effect, indicating OPG-independent inhibition. The addition of anti-IFN-β neutralizing antibody during the co-culture with OEBFs partially recovered the osteoclastogenic potential of the generated cells. The MLO-Y4 cells and OEBFs expressed IFN-β mRNA. Although osteocytic RANKL is known to be important for osteoclastogenesis, our data suggest that osteocytes also produce IFN-β as an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis.
From silos to crossing borders in physical education

ABSTRACT Physical education has become more than a superficial exposure to a range of motor skills and movement challenges through the emergence of a myriad of educationally-focused initiatives, models and theoretical approaches. Such proliferation of ideas has been positioned within the literature as both a strength and a weakness. While ideas can be strengthened through focused and inward-looking practice, an increasing array of foundational ideas with disparate language, can make the territory of physical education increasingly more difficult to navigate across divided discourses leading to a potentially shallow base. This research articulates a deliberate process of border crossing that we undertook as a way to seek a convergence (where possible) between two related frameworks for understanding and progressing physical education. We acknowledge this exchange of ideas is something that happens frequently and informally between different educators and researchers. Yet we suggest that there is room for those willing to undertake a more deliberate transformational approach to border crossing with the potential to yield innovative outcomes through the integration of ideas from different fields. Opportunities can emerge for educational developments as a consequence of working at these borders/boundaries. To better understand deliberate approaches to border crossing, we draw largely upon ideas from transdisciplinary research, concept analysis, boundary crossing and threshold concepts to reflexively interrogate our own uncertain, at times messy and iterative approach of reconciliation from either side of the globe. The paper offers insights and guidance for others who wish to more formerly seek out synergies through a process of disciplinary border crossing.
Screening of HIV infection: role of molecular and immunological assays

Due to technical improvements and new developments of immunological assays, the reliability of serological laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection has improved considerably and the residual risk, due to the diagnostic window for transfusion-transmitted HIV, has been reduced significantly. Through the addition of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAT) to blood donor screening, the residual risk can de further decreased by up to 50%, depending on the sensitivity of the NAT protocol and whether individual or pooled blood donations are screened. In-house and commercially available NAT have been implemented in blood banks as HIV only or multiplexed HIV and hepatitis B or C virus assays. As an alternative to separate antigen and antibody screening, combined fourth-generation assays have been developed in 1997, and have achieved a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Thus, they can replace stand-alone antigen and third-generation antibody assays. While they are used in the routine diagnostics of HIV infection in many countries throughout the world, they probably represent no alternative for NAT in blood-donor screening in industrialized countries. In the next few years, technical improvements will further simplify NAT screening. While there is still some potential to improve the detection threshold of NAT, the sensitivity of the antigen module of fourth-generation assays (a lowest concentration of 3–5 pg of p24 antigen) is probably very close to its technical limit.
Augmenting cost-SVM with gaussian mixture models for imbalanced classification

The Support Vector Machine (SVM), a known discriminative classifier is ineffective in dealing with imbalanced classificationproblems where the training examples of target class are outnumbered by non-target class examples. Though cost-SVM (cSVM)has been proposed to tackle the imbalanced datasets by assigning different cost functions to different classes, the performanceis less than satisfactory due to its limited ability to enforce cost-sensitivity. In this research, a generative classifier, GaussianMixture Model (GMM) is studied which can learn the distribution of the imbalanced data to improve the discriminative powerbetween imbalanced classes. By fusing this knowledge into cSVM, a model fusion approach, termed CSG (cSVM+GMM), isproposed to tackle the imbalanced classification problem. Experimental results on eleven benchmark datasets and one medicalimaging dataset show the effectiveness of CSG in dealing with imbalanced classification problems.
Dysmyelination induced in vitro by IgM antisulfatide and antigalactocerebroside monoclonal antibodies

Antiglycolipid antibodies cause a distinctive form of dysmyelination in vivo characterized by marked widening of the myelin period. Such “expanded” or “wide‐spaced” myelin occurs in peripheral nerves in certain paraproteinemias and in the CNS in multiple sclerosis. We have used an in vitro system to reproduce this pathology under controlled conditions to assess the role of antibody specificity and class and the need for cofactors in generating this kind of lesion in peripheral myelin. Schwann cell myelin formed in vitro around dorsal root ganglion cell axons was exposed for 3–14 days to hybridoma cells that produce specific monoclonal antibodies. Typical wide‐spaced myelin developed after exposure to either O4, which produces an IgM antisulfatide antibody, or O1, which produces an IgM antigalactocerebroside antibody. In both cases, the effect was apparent by three days in paranodal as well as internodal myelin, especially in the outer lamellae. This change did not depend on the presence of complement or macrophages in the cultures. Exposure to anti‐GalC hybridoma cells, which produce an IgG3 antiglycolipid antibody, did not produce wide‐spaced myelin, nor did exposure to hybridoma cells that secrete IgM antibodies directed against a non‐myelin antigen. The location and rapidity of the pathologic changes seen after O4 or O1 are consistent with penetration of the antibodies through the external mesaxon of already formed myelin and then between compact lamellae, progressively spreading them apart in the centripetal direction. This in vitro model shows that either of two specific monoclonal IgM antiglycolipid antibodies can alone reproduce a well known form of myelin pathology under defined conditions. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR spectroscopy of brain white matter in the prediction of dementia

Background: Previous 1H-MR spectroscopy (MRS) studies compared biochemical spectra of persons with dementia with those of healthy control subjects. Given the long prodromal period of Alzheimer disease (AD), the authors sought to investigate whether biochemical changes can be observed also in the preclinical period. Methods: The authors prospectively followed 509 elderly persons (ages 60 to 90), who were free of clinical dementia at baseline, for on average 5.9 years. At baseline, 1H-MRS of the brain (1.5 T) was performed in a plane above the lateral ventricles that comprised mainly white matter voxels. Standard ratios of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), and creatine (Cr) were calculated. Structural MRI was administered to assess white matter lesions and hippocampal atrophy. All persons were followed for incident dementia through repeated neuropsychological testing and linkage with medical records. Results: During follow-up, 37 persons developed dementia, of whom 27 fulfilled criteria for AD. Overall, biochemical ratios on 1H-MRS at baseline were not associated with the risk of incident dementia. However, people with higher Cho/Cr ratios had a higher risk to develop dementia or AD within 4 years (hazard ratio for dementia per SD increase 1.55 [95% CI 1.05 to 2.28]). This association attenuated and became nonsignificant after adjustment for white matter lesions on MRI. Conclusion: These data suggest that there are biochemical changes on 1H-MR spectroscopy of brains of persons with presymptomatic dementia.
Oxidized Low‐Density Lipoprotein Inhibits Nitric Oxide‐Mediated Coronary Arteriolar Dilation by Up‐regulating Endothelial Arginase I

Please cite this paper as: Wang, Hein, Zhang, Zawieja, Liao and Kuo (2011). Oxidized Low‐Density Lipoprotein Inhibits Nitric Oxide‐Mediated Coronary Arteriolar Dilation by Up‐regulating Endothelial Arginase I. Microcirculation18(1), 36–45.
Detection of mRNA for ribosomal phosphoprotein P2 in normal colon and colonic tumours by In situ hybridization

We have localized the mRNA for the ribosomal phosphoprotein P2, a putative metastasis‐related sequence, in normal colon and colonic carcinomas by in situ hybridization, using an oligonucleotide probe end‐labelled with digoxigenin. The mRNA was identified in normal colonic epithelial cells, the intensity of the signal being greater in cells at the base of the crypts compared with those on the surface. A strong positive signal was also seen in plasma cells, in fibroblasts in granulation tissue, in ganglion cells, and in hepatocytes. A positive signal was identified in all 16 primary colonic tumours studied and in 7 hepatic metastases In contrast to previous studies based on Northern blot analysis, we were unable to demonstrate increased expression in metastases as compared with primary tumours, nor could we demonstrate any increased expression in primary tumours which were associated with distant metastases.
Hippocampal correlates of depression in healthy elderly adults

Mixed findings have been reported on the relationship between hippocampal integrity and major depression in clinical populations. Few neuroimaging studies have investigated associations between hippocampal measures and depressive symptoms in nondemented older adults. Here, we address this issue by imaging 36 nondemented adults over age 70 from the Einstein Aging Study, a community‐based sample from the Bronx, NY. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression scale (GDS). Clinically significant depression was defined using a cut‐off score of 5 or greater. Hippocampal data included MRI‐derived volume data normalized to midsagittal area and MRS‐derived N‐acetylaspartate to creatine ratios (NAA/Cr). Our result indicates that smaller total hippocampal volume was associated with higher GDS scores, but there were no significant association between hippocampal NAA/Cr and GDS score. These effects were consistent after controlling for age, education, and gender. Reduction in hippocampal volume could represent a risk factor or a consequence of depression in older adults. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of the hippocampus in the development and experience of depression in older adults. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How effective are psychotherapeutic and other psychosocial interventions with older adults? A meta-analysis.

Specific interventions included in the review Studies that compared psychosocial or psychotherapeutic interventions with a control intervention were eligible. Studies that only examined combinations of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, and studies that compared two active treatments without an untreated control treatment, were excluded. The included studies examined the following types of interventions: cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic, reminiscence, relaxation, supportive, psychoeducational, activity promoting, cognitive training and miscellaneous therapies. The most common control treatments were no or delayed treatment and attention placebo (socialising without psychotherapeutic intervention). The therapists' qualifications varied from paraprofessionals or master's students, to master's level or higher plus training or practical experience of working with older adults. The number of therapy sessions ranged from 1 to 250 (mean 9). Group and individual treatments (including self-administered treatments) and combinations of these were used.
Systematic alteration of apoptosis: a review with ultrastructural observations on leukemia cells in vivo

ABSTRACT The ultrastructural characteristics of apoptosis have been described microscopically for four decades. Alterations of nuclei, apoptotic bodies, cytoplasm, and some organelles have been illustrated and investigated during apoptosis. The successive changes of cellular components corresponding with differentiation of apoptotic cells are illustrated in the present review, based on ultrastructural observation of leukemia cells of patients in our routine clinic work by transmission electron microscopy. Most electron micrographs demonstrated that membranous components of nuclear envelop, rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria were degenerated step by step during apoptosis. The successive images suggested that the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus were transferred to cell surface from cytoplasm and participated in formation of apoptotic bodies in apoptosis, although relevant clinical data and more experimental evidence were needed for restraining of leukemia cases from diagnostic work randomly in recent decades.
Influence of Big Traders on Market Stability

In this paper we study the influence of large traders in the stock market in the presence of a fringe of marginal “noise traders". We formulate a trade model relating stock price to the demand strategies of these traders who wish to maximize their payoffs. Using the Nash equilibrium concept we compute the optimal value functions for the large traders and study the stability of the state process (log price) under equilibrium strategies of the large traders. In the process, we propose two measures. The first one is to measure the big traders’ total faith on the market’s valuation (φ0 ) and the second one is to measure the big traders’ interaction between themselves (φ1 ). Furthermore, we provide numerical examples to illustrate the effect of the big traders’ interaction and their faith on the market’s valuation on the market stability. We also illustrate, with diagrams, the historical and instantaneous correlation among the value processes for these large traders to highlight certain interesting features that influence the market.
The Effect of Childhood Cancer on Hong Kong Chinese Families at Different Stages of the Disease

In Hong Kong the incidence of cancer is 144.3 per 1,000,000 children and is the first cause of disease-related death among children aged between 1 and 14 years. The diagnosis of cancer in a child poses a threat to the family unit, with many families experiencing difficulties as they cope with the demands of their child's illness. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the effects of cancer on the child, parents, and siblings during different stages of the disease. An in-depth individual interview was undertaken with 13 Chinese parents, 10 children, and 11 well siblings. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified 5 key areas including knowledge and understanding of the nature of the disease, being truthful, responses to the disease, changing family relationships, and changes in family life. This article focuses on the findings of 2 of these key areas: knowledge and understanding of the nature of the disease and being truthful. The findings indicate that all parents were fully aware of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of their child's disease. The child's knowledge of the disease varied, depending in part on parents' willingness to tell their children about the disease and its prognosis. Most parents were reluctant to share information about the disease with their children. Children, however, were found to have considerably more knowledge about the disease than parents reported, indicating a gap in communication between parents and children. The findings indicate the importance of disclosure about the disease within the family and the need for practitioners to facilitate information sharing among family members within this population group.
Molecular and Epidemiological Characterization of IMP-Type Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacter cloacae in a Large Tertiary Care Hospital in Japan

ABSTRACT IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase enzymes have been reported in different geographical areas and in various Gram-negative bacteria. However, the risk factors and epidemiology pertaining to IMP-type metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacter cloacae (IMP-producing E. cloacae) have not been systematically evaluated. We conducted a retrospective, matched case-control study of patients from whom IMP-producing E. cloacae isolates were obtained, in addition to performing thorough molecular analyses of the clinically obtained IMP-producing E. cloacae isolates. Unique cases with IMP-producing E. cloacae isolation were included. Patients with IMP-producing E. cloacae were matched to uninfected controls at a ratio of 1 to 3. Fifteen IMP-producing E. cloacae cases were identified, with five of the isolates being obtained from blood, and they were matched to 45 uninfected controls. All (100%) patients from whom IMP-producing E. cloacae isolates were obtained had indwelling devices at the time of isolation, compared with one (2.2%) uninfected control. Independent predictors for isolation of IMP-producing E. cloacae were identified as cephalosporin exposure and invasive procedures within 3 months. Although in-hospital mortality rates were similar between cases and controls (14.3% versus 13.3%), the in-hospital mortality of patients with IMP-producing E. cloacae-caused bacteremia was significantly higher (40%) than the rate in controls. IMP-producing E. cloacae isolates were frequently positive for other resistance determinants. The MICs of meropenem and imipenem were not elevated; 10 (67%) and 12 (80%) of the 15 IMP-producing E. cloacae isolates had a MIC of ≤1 μg/ml. A phylogenetic tree showed a close relationship among the IMP-producing E. cloacae samples. Indwelling devices, exposure to cephalosporin, and a history of invasive procedures were associated with isolation of IMP-producing E. cloacae. Screening for carbapenemase production is important in order to apply appropriate clinical management and infection control measures.