Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced glycation endproducts as gerontotoxins and biomarkers for carbonyl-based degenerative processes in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common dementia disorder of later life. Although there might be various different triggering events in the early stages of the disease, they appear to converge on a few characteristic final pathways in the late stages, characterized by inflammation and neurodegeneration. Here, we review the hypothesis that advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which reflect carbonyl stress, an imbalance between the production of reactive carbonyl compounds and their detoxification, can serve as biomarkers for the progression of disorder. AGE modification may explain many of the neuropathological and biochemical features of AD, such as extensive protein cross-linking shown as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, inflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal cell death. Although accumulation of AGEs is a normal feature of aging, it appears to be significantly accelerated in AD. We suggest that higher AGE concentrations in brain tissue and in cerebrospinal fluid might be able to distinguish between normal aging and AD.
The effects of R&D intensity and tax incentives on firms’ growth: Empirical evidence from world's top R&D spending firms between 2003 and 2012

R&D expenditures made by companies, and governmental policies oriented for the promotion of these expenditures in the private sector, are nowadays considered variables that have an impact on firms’ growth in the medium term. This study aims at understanding the simultaneous influence of R&D investment and R&D tax incentives on firms’ growth, for different technological and knowledge-intensity industries. For that, a panel data of 1127 firms belonging to 35 different industries from 21 OECD countries, during the period between 2003 and 2012, was used. The results of the econometric estimation confirm, as foreseen in the literature, the positive effect for firms’ net sales growth of their investment in R&D and of tax policies that benefit the firms which perform these types of activities, particularly in high-tech firms. The results also returned a positive effect of R&D intensity in firms’ growth in the period before crisis (2003 - 2007) and a negative and significant crossover effect of R&D tax credits and R&D intensity in firms’ growth for the period before crisis. The two factors remain insignificant in crisis period, suggesting that other factors gained a more powerful explanation of a firm’s growth in that period.
Profitability and Cost Shifting in Government Procurement Contracts

We examine whether contractors with cost plus contracts earn a higher profit, and whether the higher profit is associated with cost shifting behavior, using a unique set of data of federal procurement contracts between the years 2005 and 2010. Prior research often examines government contractor profitability without differentiating the contract types, which is a key determinant to the contractor’s ability to cost-shift. We identify firms that are awarded with cost plus contracts in some years and without in other years. We find their profitability significantly increases during the years that cost plus contracts are awarded. We also find that these firms exhibit greater discretionary expenditures during the years with cost plus contracts, relative to the years without, which is consistent with cost shifting behavior. However, effective monitoring through the Cost Accounting Standards helps mitigate such behavior.
Changes of expectations and risk attitudes and their impact on risk taking behavior

We use data from a repeated survey panel that was run with real online broker customers in September 2008, December 2008, and March 2009. In all three surveys subjects' risk attitudes, risk expectations, return expectations, and risk taking behavior, i.e. the proportion of wealth they are willing to invest into the stock market compared to a risk free asset, were elicited. Using this unique dataset we analyze whether risk taking, risk attitudes, and expectations change from one quarter to the other and whether the latter two have an impact on risk taking behavior. Our results indicate that risk taking behavior decreases substantially from September to December and from December to March. Similarly, risk expectations and return expectations also change substantially from one survey to the next one. In contrast, various measures of risk attitudes are fairly stable over the time periods. Interestingly, observed changes in risk taking behavior can primarily be attributed to changes in risk and return expectations but not to changes in past performance or changes in risk attitudes. Moreover, our findings are valuable for practitioners - who are urged by MiFID (2006) to elicit their customers' risk profiles and risk preferences - since we show that risk attitudes remain fairly stable and that changes in investment behavior can mainly be attributed to changes in expectations. Lastly, we illustrate that overconfidence seems to be a fairly stable construct between September and December and tends to decrease slightly from December to March.
Functional Activity of Anti-Neisserial Surface Protein A Monoclonal Antibodies against Strains of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B

ABSTRACT Neisserial surface protein A (NspA) is currently being investigated with humans as a candidate vaccine for the prevention of meningococcal disease. Although NspA is highly conserved, the ability of anti-NspA antibodies to bind to or elicit complement-mediated bactericidal activity against diverse Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strains is controversial. To evaluate strain differences in NspA surface accessibility and susceptibility to bactericidal activity, we prepared murine immunoglobulin G2a anti-NspA monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and evaluated their functional activity against 10 genetically diverse N. meningitidis serogroup B strains. By colony Western blot, all 10 strains expressed NspA as detected by one or more MAbs. By flow cytometry, two MAbs were found to bind to the bacterial surface of 6 of the 10 strains. In addition, two strains showed variable NspA surface accessibility for the MAbs despite being uniformly positive for NspA expression by colony Western blotting. Only 4 of the 10 strains were susceptible to anti-NspA complement-mediated bacteriolysis. Passively administered MAb protected infant rats from developing bacteremia after challenge with N. meningitidisserogroup B strain 8047 (surface binding positive, susceptible to anti-NspA bacteriolysis), was poorly protective against strain BZ232 (surface binding variable, resistant to bacteriolysis), and did not protect against strain M986 (surface binding negative, resistant to bacteriolysis). Finally, NspA does not appear to be critical for causing bacteremia, as an NspA knockout from strain 8047 was highly virulent in infant rats. Taken together, these findings suggest that an NspA-based vaccine will need to incorporate additional antigens to elicit broad protection against N. meningitidis serogroup B.
Nasogastric Decompression for Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the necessity of a nasogastric decompression in radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients by a prospective randomized controlled trial. Methods: From 2007 to 2009, 161 gastric cancer patients who underwent radical gastrectomy were randomly selected and entered into three groups: tube group (TG), intra-operative tube group (ITG), and no-tube group (NTG). The variables studied among the groups were demographic characteristics, surgical characteristics, postoperative recovery and complications. Results: With respect to demographic and surgical characteristics, there were no significant differences among the 3 groups. The time of the first passage of flatus, tolerance of water intake, liquid diet and semiliquid diet were similar among TG, ITG and NTG. Postoperative hospital stay was increased in patients from TG compared to NTG (11.3 vs. 10.2 days, p = 0.031). The incidence of nausea was significantly higher in TG than in ITG or NTG (64 vs. 36.8 and 29.6%). The overall postoperative complication rate was not significantly different among these groups (20, 15.8 and 20.4% in TG, ITG and NTG, respectively, p = 0.612). Conclusions: Radical gastrectomy can be performed safely without nasogastric decompression for gastric cancer patients. The routine prophylactic nasogastric decompression is unnecessary.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF STRATEGY, FIT, AND BUSINESSPERFORMANCE IN AN E-COMMERCE SETTING:AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Most e-commerce research is based on some expert opinions, but very little empirical or field study research (Ngai and Wat, 2002). While such expertise was very necessary in the earlier years of the exploding ecommerce revolution, today the e-commerce companies need to take greater care in developing business strategies and managing their operations. This is particularly true in that the downturn of e-businesses has been credited to bad business plans that do not include careful e-commerce strategic considerations. This study not only provides a conceptual model based on both information systems and operations strategy literature to uncover a systematic e-commerce strategic framework, but also provides empirical evidence on the link between the business environment, operations strategy, information systems strategic orientation, and business performance. More specifically, this research examines the fit between business environment and operations strategy, the fit between information systems strategic orientation and operations strategy, and the impact of both on business performance.
Promoting export diversification in Cameroon: Toward which products?

In a bid to solve the chronic balance of payments deficit resulting from the economic crisis that Cameroon has been experiencing since the mid-1980s, the Government opted to promote diversification of exports. Given the supply and demand constraints on traditional exports, non-traditional ones have been given pride of place. This research intends to provide an indication of a priority order of these exports by classifying them according to their world market access prospects. The calculations of the competitiveness and financial capital profitability indexes show that from the 33 identified non-traditional export products, of which close to three fourth are industrial, 19 (4 primary agriculture and 15 industrial) are competitive and profitable and can thus be promoted in priority within the exports diversification promotion framework that the government intends to put in place. The analysis of the competitiveness and profitability determinants revealed that these performances can be improved if the tariff and non-tariff barriers as well as national and international inadequate socioeconomic environment that constrain them are lightened.
The prevalence, clinical features, risk factors and outcome associated with cryptococcal meningitis in HIV positive patients in Kenya.

OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence, clinical features, risk factors and outcomes associated with cryptococcal meningitis (CM) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients at two referral hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. DESIGN Prospective, observational study. SETTING Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Mbagathi District Hospital (MDH), Nairobi, Kenya. SUBJECTS Three hundred and forty HIV patients presenting with suspected CM. RESULTS Of three hundred and forty suspected CM patients, 111 (33%) were diagnosed with CM by CrAg. Among CM patients, in-hospital mortality was 36% (38/106), median age was 35 years (range, 19-60 years) and median CD4 count was 41 cells/microL (n = 89, range 2-720 cells/microL). Common clinical manifestations among CM patients included headache 103 (93%), neck stiffness 76 (69%) and weight loss 53 (48%). Factors independently associated with CM were male sex, headache, blurred vision and previous antifungal drug use. Night sweats and current use of anti-retroviral therapy were associated with reduced risk for CM. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of CM and CM-associated mortality in HIV patients at KNH and MDH despite treatment with antifungal and anti-retroviral drugs. This study demonstrates the need to address the existing inadequacies of CM patient outcomes in Kenya.
Quantitative Measures of Regret and Trust in Human-Robot Collaboration Systems

Human-robot collaboration (HRC) systems integrate the strengths of both humans and robots to improve the joint system performance. In this thesis, we focus on social human-robot interaction (sHRI) factors and in particular regret and trust. Humans experience regret during decision-making under uncertainty when they feel that a better result could be obtained if chosen differently. A framework to quantitatively measure regret is proposed in this thesis. We embed quantitative regret analysis into Bayesian sequential decision-making (BSD) algorithms for HRC shared vision tasks in both domain search and assembly tasks. The BSD method has been used for robot decision-making tasks, which however is proved to be very different from human decision-making patterns. Instead, regret theory qualitatively models human’s rational decision-making behaviors under uncertainty. Moreover, it has been shown that joint performance of a team will improve if all members share the same decision-making logic. Trust plays a critical role in determining the level of a human’s acceptance and hence utilization of a robot. A dynamic network based trust model combing the time series trust model is first implemented in a multi-robot motion planning task with a human-in-the-loop. However, in this model, the trust estimates for each robot is independent, which fails to model the correlative trust in multi-robot collaboration. To address this issue, the above model is extended to interdependent multi-robot Dynamic Bayesian Networks.
Fixed drug eruption due to ciprofloxacin

Summary We describe seven patients with fixed drug eruption (FDE) due to ciprofloxacin, five confirmed by rechallenge. These cases make up 8.75% of all cases of FDE seen by us during 1992–93. Isolated, and striking involvement of the lips was seen in two patients. To our knowledge, only a single case of FDE to ciprofloxacin previously has been reported. Our experience suggests that, with widespread use, ciprofloxacin could become one of the common drugs causing FDE.
Spatial sampling design for prediction with estimated parameters

We study spatial sampling design for prediction of stationary isotropic Gaussian processes with estimated parameters of the covariance function. The key issue is how to incorporate the parameter uncertainty into design criteria to correctly represent the uncertainty in prediction. Several possible design criteria are discussed that incorporate the parameter uncertainty. A simulated annealing algorithm is employed to search for the optimal design of small sample size and a two-step algorithm is proposed for moderately large sample sizes. Simulation results are presented for the Matérn class of covariance functions. An example of redesigning the air monitoring network in EPA Region 5 for monitoring sulfur dioxide is given to illustrate the possible differences our proposed design criterion can make in practice.
CB2: a cannabinoid receptor with an identity crisis

CB2 was first considered to be the ‘peripheral cannabinoid receptor’. This title was bestowed based on its abundant expression in the immune system and presumed absence from the central nervous system. However, multiple recent reports question the absence of CB2 from the central nervous system. For example, it is now well accepted that CB2 is expressed in brain microglia during neuroinflammation. However, the extent of CB2 expression in neurons has remained controversial. There have been studies claiming either extreme‐its complete absence to its widespread expression‐as well as everything in between. This review will discuss the reported tissue distribution of CB2 with a focus on CB2 in neurons, particularly those in the central nervous system as well as the implications of that presence. As CB2 is an attractive therapeutic target for pain management and immune system modulation without overt psychoactivity, defining the extent of its presence in neurons will have a significant impact on drug discovery. Our recommendation is to encourage cautious interpretation of data that have been presented for and against CB2's presence in neurons and to encourage continued rigorous study.
An empirical investigation of the effects of e-readiness factors on e-business adoption in China's international trading industry

Using Molla and Licker (2005a)'s Perceived E-Readiness Model (PERM), this study investigated the effects of Perceived Organisational E-Readiness factors (POER) and Perceived External E-Readiness factors (PEER) on the adoption of e-business among international trading firms in China. Data were collected from 307 international trading companies located in the Beijing area. Using correlation and ANOVA analyses, this research found that both POER and PEER factors had significant influences on e-business adoption. The study further reported on various aspects of e-readiness status, including e-business awareness, technology resources, market forces readiness, and the readiness of supporting industries. We concluded with research and managerial implications for international trading companies regarding e-business adoption.
Enhancement of acrosome reaction and subzonal insemination of a single spermatozoon in mouse eggs

The acrosome reaction in mouse spermatozoa was induced by various means. These were 1) varying incubation time in T6 medium, 2) incubation in T6 medium with added A23187, 3) incubation in T6 medium with added dbcGMP and imidazole, 4) exposure to an electric field, and 5) a combination of incubation in a medium with dbcGMP and imidazole and electroporation. The mean percentages of acrosome‐free spermatozoa obtained by these various methods and assessed on the basis of both Bryan's stain and immunolocalization by FITC‐labeled monoclonal antibodies increased by steps from 36% to 67%, 73%, 86%, and 92%.
The A+T-rich sequence of the simian virus 40 origin is essential for replication and is involved in bending of the viral DNA

The origin-promoter region of simian virus 40 contains a 17-base-pair sequence composed exclusively of adenine (A) and thymine (T). We constructed a linker replacement mutant in which this stretch of A's and T's was reduced to 11 base pairs. While not affecting the level of early gene transcription, this mutation reduced the accumulation of viral DNA in COS cells at least 10(4) fold. In addition, a restriction fragment containing the wild-type A + T-rich region migrated in nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels with an anomalous mobility characteristic of bent DNA; however, the corresponding fragment from the mutant migrated less anomalously. Therefore, bending of the DNA in this region may play a role in some step in viral DNA replication.
DOES PARTNERING PAY OFF?—STOCK MARKET REACTIONS TO STRATEGIC ALLIANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS IN GERMANY

The dramatic increase in interorganizational partnering in the last 15 years raises questions for scholars and managers regarding the value impact of strategic alliances. Using event study methodology, this paper tests whether stock market reactions differ when an alliance formation or termination is announced. In addition, the study provides an in-depth analysis of potential determinants of stock market reactions to alliance formation announcements. The sample consists of 1037 announcements in German stock markets from 1997 to 2002. The results show that a termination announcement decreases firm valuation, and a formation announcement increases firm valuation. Further, certain alliances are more favorable than others, depending on firm industry, age, size, alliance constellations, and equity versus non-equity investment in partner firm. The results open avenues for further research on partnering strategies.
Putting Customer Back into Customization: A Pricing Intervention

The benefits of customization are not always self-evident to consumers who seek to minimize decision costs or are generally uncertain of what they really want. We argue that the mere posting of a starting price can increase a consumer’s readiness to appreciate customized goods. We discuss this phenomenon in the context of a simple model of reference-dependent preferences and propose four experiments to support our predictions. In experiment 1 and 2, we show that announcing a starting price accentuates consumer sensitivity to the match quality and relevance of customization, respectively, enhancing purchase intent and perceived product value to the extent that these qualities are present. Experiment 3 reveals that the effect of starting prices implicates the judgments of novices more so than those of experts. In experiment 4, we revert the effect and demonstrate that consumers who seek conformism and avoid personalization will be more likely to reject customized products when exposed to a starting price.
Medium-term effects of a monofilament polypropylene mesh for pelvic organ prolapse and sexual function symptoms

This report is aimed at describing the effects and complications of a polypropylene mesh in standard gynaecological practice. This is single centre prospective cohort observational study performed at a University affiliated hospital in the UK. It involved the prospective symptom assessment of 41 consecutive patients in 2007 who underwent anterior and/or posterior Avaulta Plus™ or Avaulta™ Biosynthetic Support System (BARD). The validated International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire – Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ–VS) was completed in the clinic preoperatively. Postal questionnaires were sent to the patients up to 3 years postoperatively. Preoperatively the mean overall Quality of life (QoL) was 19.78 (SD 9.052) and at follow-up was 1.67 (SD 1.0) with p< 0.008. Mean VAS preoperatively was 15.00 (SD 7.566) and at follow-up was 0.44 (SD 0.882) with p< 0.008. A decrease in this score over time, indicates improved symptoms. In select patients, repair with mesh augmentation using Avaulta™ or Avaulta Plus™ is a safe and effective procedure up to 3 years with a median follow-up of 27 months (range 20–36 months).
Sub-national Finances and Fiscal Consolidation: Walking on Thin Ice

Recent crises and national consolidation packages affected sub-national finances. In many OECD countries, central governments introduced reductions in transfers to sub-national governments, and established expenditure and/or deficit objectives to be met by local or regional authorities. Such measures have reduced the financial room of sub-national governments for implementing key public services or investments. In parallel, borrowing conditions deteriorated for many sub-national governments, as banks and financial markets became increasingly reluctant to lend. Since late 2008, financial markets started discriminating between high- and low-quality SNG bonds, and yields reached record-high levels for sub-national governments perceived as less creditworthy. Facing degraded finances, upward pressure on expenditures and deteriorated borrowing conditions, many sub-national governments have used public investment as an adjustment variable to reduce their budget deficits and preserve their spending on welfare, health or education. However, such policies may hinder long-term growth perspectives.