Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Migration and Institutions: Evidence from Internal EU Mobility

Despite the formal achievement of the free movement of labour within the EU, the institutional characteristics of the labour markets of the Member States may influence European mobility. The paper seeks empirical evidence of the relationship between labour market institutions and intraâ€ EU migrations, estimating a gravity model for bilateral migration for the period 2001â€“11. The results indicate that trade union density negatively correlates with the size of bilateral migrations: destinations with relatively high union density are associated with lower migration inflows. Since these countries tend to have a relatively flat earnings distribution, it is also investigated whether their earnings structure reduces their attractiveness as destinations hindering the access to their labour market. Even if a dependence between the earnings dispersion and migrations is found, trade union density remains the main driver of migration patterns. Clear effects of employment protection on EU mobility are not found.
Identification of A3 Receptor- and Mast Cell-Dependent and -Independent Components of Adenosine-Mediated Airway Responsiveness in Mice1

Adenosine-induced bronchoconstriction is a well-recognized feature of atopic asthma. Adenosine acts through four different G protein-coupled receptors to produce a myriad of physiological effects. To examine the contribution of the A3 adenosine receptor to adenosine-induced bronchoconstriction and to assess the contribution of mast cells to this process, we quantified airway responsiveness to aerosolized adenosine in wild-type, A3 receptor-deficient, and mast cell-deficient mice. Compared with the robust airway responses elicited by adenosine in wild-type mice, both A3-deficient and mast cell-deficient mice exhibited a significantly attenuated response compared with their respective wild-type controls. Histological examination of the airways 4 h after adenosine exposure revealed extensive degranulation of airway mast cells as well as infiltration of neutrophils in wild-type mice, whereas these findings were much diminished in A3-deficient mice and were not different from those in PBS-treated controls. These data indicate that the airway responses to aerosolized adenosine in mice occur largely through A3 receptor activation and that mast cells contribute significantly to these responses, but that activation of additional adenosine receptors on a cell type(s) other than mast cells also contributes to adenosine-induced airway responsiveness in mice. Finally, our findings indicate that adenosine exposure can result in A3-dependent airway inflammation, as reflected in neutrophil recruitment, as well as alterations in airway function.
ANALISIS PERDAGANGAN INTRA INDUSTRI SEKTOR MANUFAKTUR: STUDI KASUS ASEAN-5

Research analyzes the Intra industry Trade in Manufacture Sector between Indonesia and other countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Philippines. It also analyzes the relationship of industrial sectors in the economic field, especially among countries at ASEAN-5. The intra industry trade is measured based on Grubel-Lloyd Index with the aggregation rate of three digits in the ISIC (International Standard Industrial Classification). Panel data analysis tool is employed to analyze the factors influencing intra industry trade. Result of research indicates that the intensity of the intra industry trade between Indonesia and ASEAN-4 is relatively higher and consistent with that during 1998-2007. The dominant product in the intra industry trade is iron and steel metals. Market structure, product differentiation, and foreign investment, positively and significantly, influence the intra industry trade between Indonesia and ASEAN-4 countries. Machinery, equipment, and electric tool industry is the highest-rank sector based on its forward linkage coefficient. The machinery, equipment, and electric tool industry sector is important to support the growth of other sectors. With respect to the direct backward linkage coefficient, the sector with highest coefficient is the base industry of iron and steel. It shows that base industry of iron and steel sector gives enough great contribution to other sector.
Regulation of the expression of death receptors and their ligands by melatonin in haematological cancer cell lines and in leukaemia cells from patients

Abstract: Incorporation of new therapeutic agents remains as a major challenge for treatment of patients with malignant haematological disorders. Melatonin is an indolamine without relevant side effects. It has been shown previously to exhibit synergism with several chemotherapeutic drugs in Ewing sarcoma cells by potentiating the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. It also sensitizes human glioma cells against TRAIL by increasing DR5 expression. Here, we report the induction of cell death by melatonin in several human malignant haematological cell lines through the activation of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Such activation was mediated by the increase in the expression of the death receptors Fas, DR4 and DR5 and their ligands Fas L and TRAIL, with a remarkable rise in the expression of Fas and Fas L. The cytotoxic effect and the increase in Fas and Fas L were dependent on Akt activation. Results were corroborated in blasts from bone marrow and peripheral blood of acute myeloid leukaemia patients, where melatonin induced cell death and increased both Fas and Fas L expressions. We conclude that melatonin may be considered as a potential antileukaemic agent and its therapeutic use, either alone or in combination with current chemotherapeutic drugs, should be taken into consideration for further research.
The Politics of International Economic Relations

On-Line Course Information On-Line Access: This course is offered entirely on-line. All course materials except for the textbooks will be accessible on-line for reading and viewing. All assignments will be completed and graded on-line. Contacting Me: The most reliable way to reach me is by email: shale@uwm.edu. I check email most days during the week (though often not on weekends). If you send an email, please be certain to put “Polsci 330” as your subject header. Also, you are always welcome to come in during my office hours or to call me in my office (414-229-2399). If I am not in when you call, leave a phone number so that I can call you back. Computer Skills Needed for the Course: You will need basic word processing skills; the ability to send and receive email; and a simple understanding of how to access and browse websites, including our course website on Desire2Learn (D2L). You will have to be able to receive email via your ePanther email account, but you can if you wish forward your ePanther email to a private account. Checking your email and our course website regularly is very important to your ability to do well in this course. Computer Resources Needed for the Course: You will need routine access either to a computer that has a broadband connection (such as Roadrunner or DSL), or to a campus network connection to the internet. If you don’t have your own computer, you will need to use one of the campus lab computers, or perhaps a computer in the public library.
Expression of RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 in normal and malignant prostatic epithelial cell cultures and lines: Regulation by methylation and sex steroids

RET fused gene (RFG)/ELE1α/androgen receptor–associated protein 70(ARA70) was first found to be involved in the activation of the RET proto‐oncogene in thyroid neoplasm and has recently been shown to be a ligand‐dependent transcriptional coregulator for androgen receptor (AR). The functionality of RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 remains controversial, and little is known about factors regulating its expression in the prostate. Of significant interest is whether this molecule is involved in prostate carcinogenesis. Using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction semiquantitation, we compared RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 mRNA levels in four prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, TSU‐Pr1, DU‐145, and PC‐3) with those found in primary cultures of normal prostatic epithelial cells (PrECs). In addition, we examined the effects of androgen and antiandrogen, estrogen and antiestrogen, and a demethylating agent on RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 mRNA expression levels in AR− and AR+ PC‐3 cells. Reduced levels of RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 message were observed in all four prostate cancer cell lines when compared with normal PrECs in primary cultures. RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 mRNA levels in PC‐3 cells, which express both estrogen receptor subtypes, were upregulated by 17β‐estradiol and inhibited by the antiestrogen ICI‐182780. In PC‐3(AR+) cells, which were genetically engineered to express AR, exposure to androgen upregulated RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 mRNA expression, whereas treatment with 4‐hydroxyflutamide lowered expression of this transcript. Furthermore, treatment of DU‐145 cells, which did not express RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 transcripts, with a demethylating agent reactivated transcription of this gene. Polymerase chain reaction analyses of monochromosomal human‐rodent hybrid panels localized a putative RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 isoform on human chromosome 5q31.1‐31.2. In summary, we identified sex hormones and DNA hypermethylation as regulators of RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 expression in prostate cancer cells. In addition, we found reduced levels of RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 expression in prostate cancer cell lines when compared with expression levels in normal PrECs in culture. These findings suggest that RFG/ELE1α/ARA70 may be involved prostate carcinogenesis and that it may serve as a key mediator of estrogen–androgen synergism. Mol. Carcinog. 30:1–13, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimates of the willingness to pay for locally grown tree fruits in Cusco, Peru

Abstract Urbanization, changes in the retail sector and economic growth in developing countries may offer new opportunities to build connections between urban consumers and nearby farmers. The design of strategies to build such connections will require deeper insights into the food preferences of urban consumers. This paper presents a choice experiment of the preference of locally grown apples, avocados and pears vis-à-vis nonlocal equivalents with 300 consumers in a traditional market in Cusco, Peru. Willingness-to-pay estimates are derived from a multinomal logit analysis. We found that consumers who are younger and more educated and those with young children tend to be willing to pay more for locally produced apples, avocados and pears. The paper concludes with a discussion on the implications of the research for advancing efforts to localize food systems in developing countries and opportunities for future research.
Confronting the winds: orientation and flight behaviour of roosting swifts, Apus apus

Swifts, Apus apus, spend the night aloft and this offers an opportunity to test the degree of adaptability of bird orientation and flight to different ecological situations. We predicted the swifts' behaviour by assuming that they are adapted to minimize energy expenditure during the nocturnal flight and during a compensatory homing flight if they become displaced by wind. We tested the predictions by recording the swifts' altitudes, speeds and directions under different wind conditions with tracking radar; we found an agreement between predictions and observations for orientation behaviour, but not for altitude and speed regulation. The swifts orientated consistently into the head wind, with angular concentration increasing with increasing wind speed. However, contrary to our predictions, they did not select altitudes with slow or moderate winds, nor did they increase their airspeed distinctly when flying into strong head winds. A possible explanation is that their head-wind orientation is sufficient to keep nocturnal displacement from their home area within tolerable limits, leaving flight altitude to be determined by other factors (correlated with temperature), and airspeed to show only a marginal increase in strong winds. The swifts were often moving 'backwards', heading straight into the wind but being overpowered by wind speeds exceeding their airspeed. The regular occurrence of such flights is probably uniquely associated with the swifts' remarkable habit of roosting on the wing.
Essays on Implied Cost of Capital Estimation and Implementation for Corporates and Banks: In Association with Customer Satisfaction, Equity Market Discipline and an Estimation Approach

In this dissertation I use accounting based valuation models to primarily estimate the corresponding cost of equity (capital) and use the estimated values in empirical research and in the framework of an estimation approach. The methodological aspect of my dissertation falls under the literature branch of implied cost of capital (ICC) which is well established in finance and accounting. The economic aspect of my dissertation addresses capital market relevant issues, stemming from research in marketing and monetary economics. The second chapter is based on a working paper I wrote with Martin Artz (Frankfurt School of Finance and Management). In it we investigate the association between customer satisfaction and the firm's cost of equity using ICC as a forward-looking, ex-ante measurement approach. We further use ICC to decompose firm value into cash and cost of equity effects of customer satisfaction changes. The third chapter is based on a working paper I wrote with Ferdinand Elfers (University of Mannheim). In it we use the ICC to estimate the rate of return required by the stockholders of U.S. bank holding companies (BHCs). We use the implied risk premium (IRP), calculated as ICC minus the risk-free rate, to investigate directly whether stock prices are adjusted to information about the business risk of a BHC as suggested by the concept of market discipline. In the fourth and last chapter I introduce a new approach aimed at simultaneously estimating all drivers (input variables) of an accounting valuation model.
Effects of respiratory muscle work on respiratory and locomotor blood flow during exercise

What is the central question of this study? Does manipulation of the work of breathing during high‐intensity exercise alter respiratory and locomotor muscle blood flow? What is the main finding and its importance? We found that when the work of breathing was reduced during exercise, respiratory muscle blood flow decreased, while locomotor muscle blood flow increased. Conversely, when the work of breathing was increased, respiratory muscle blood flow increased, while locomotor muscle blood flow decreased. Our findings support the theory of a competitive relationship between locomotor and respiratory muscles during intense exercise.
A Potential Link between the C5a Receptor 1 and the β1-Adrenoreceptor in the Mouse Heart

Purpose Inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of specific cardiovascular diseases, but it is uncertain if mediators released during the inflammatory process will affect the continued efficacy of drugs used to treat clinical signs of the cardiac disease. We investigated the role of the complement 5a receptor 1 (C5aR1/CD88) in the cardiac response to inflammation or atenolol, and the effect of C5aR1 deletion in control of baseline heart rate in an anesthetized mouse model. Methods An initial study showed that PMX53, an antagonist of C5aR1 in normal C57BL6/J (wild type, WT) mice reduced heart rate (HR) and appeared to have a protective effect on the heart following induced sepsis. C5aR1 knockout (CD88-/-) mice had a lower HR than wild type mice, even during sham surgery. A model to assess heart rate variability (HRV) in anesthetized mice was developed to assess the effects of inhibiting the β1-adrenoreceptor (β1-AR) in a randomized crossover study design. Results HR and LF Norm were constitutively lower and SDNN and HF Norm constitutively higher in the CD88-/- compared with WT mice (P< 0.001 for all outcomes). Administration of atenolol (2.5 mg/kg) reduced the HR and increased HRV (P< 0.05, respectively) in the wild type but not in the CD88-/- mice. There was no shift of the sympathovagal balance post-atenolol in either strains of mice (P> 0.05), except for the reduced LF/HF (Lower frequency/High frequency) ratio (P< 0.05) at 60 min post-atenolol, suggesting increased parasympathetic tone of the heart due to the effect of atenolol administration. The HR of the WT mice were lower post atenolol compared to the CD88-/- mice (P = 0.001) but the HRV of CD88-/- mice were significantly increased (P< 0.05), compared with WT mice. Conclusion Knockout of the C5aR1 attenuated the effect of β1-AR in the heart, suggesting an association between the β1-AR and C5aR1, although further investigation is required to determine if this is a direct or causal association.
Perceived legitimacy follows in‐group interests: Evidence from intermediate‐status groups

In two experiments, the effect of (in)stability of status differences on the perception of perspective legitimacy and in-group threat among intermediate-status group members (i.e., nurses students or nurses) was analysed. Both studies indicated that in downwardly unstable condition, legitimacy was lower and in-group threat was higher than in stable condition. In upwardly unstable condition, perceived legitimacy was higher and in-group threat was lower than in stable condition. The indirect effects of (in)stability via in-group threat on perceived legitimacy were significant.
Tree-structured nonlinear filters in digital mammography

A new class of nonlinear filters with more robust characteristics for noise suppression and detail preservation is proposed for processing digital mammographic images. The new algorithm consists of two major filtering blocks: (a) a multistage tree-structured filter for image enhancement that uses central weighted median filters as basic sub-filtering blocks and (b) a dispersion edge detector. The design of the algorithm also included the use of linear and curved windows to determine whether variable shape windowing could improve detail preservation. First, the noise-suppressing properties of the tree-structured filter were compared to single filters, namely the median and the central weighted median with conventional square and variable shape adaptive windows; simulated images were used for this purpose. Second, the edge detection properties of the tree-structured filter cascaded with the dispersion edge detector were compared to the performance of the dispersion edge detector alone, the Sobel operator, and the single median filter cascaded with the dispersion edge detector. Selected mammographic images with representative biopsy-proven malignancies were processed with all methods and the results were visually evaluated by an expert mammographer. In all applications, the proposed filter suggested better detail preservation, noise suppression, and edge detection than all other approaches and it may prove to be a useful tool for computer-assisted diagnosis in digital mammography.
Oral health condition and saliva flow in southern Chinese with Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the oral health condition and saliva flow of southern Chinese patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). METHOD 51 SS patients (26 primary and 25 secondary cases) and 29 controls took part in this cross-sectional study. Stimulated whole and parotid saliva flow rates, pH, and buffer capacity, and xerostomia, oral mucosal lesions, oral hygiene status, dental and periodontal conditions, prosthetic status were assessed and compared between groups. RESULTS Stimulated whole saliva (SWS) flow was reduced in primary and secondary SS cases (p<0.001), pH and buffer capacity were also reduced in the primary SS group (p<0.05). SS patients had a greater prevalence of xerostomia than controls (p<0.001). Primary SS patients had a higher mean DMFT, more missing teeth, and more prostheses than secondary SS cases and controls (p<0.05). SWS flow correlated negatively with the number of filled teeth in both SS groups (p<0.05) and the number of decayed teeth in the primary SS group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Despite good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, the oral health of southern Chinese with primary SS was significantly compromised compared with secondary SS cases and controls, most probably due to the combined effect of impaired salivary gland function and poorer saliva buffer capacity.
Flood hazard maps in the European context

ABSTRACT The implementation of the EU Floods Directive by water authorities across Europe has generated a lack of consistency in the present situation, especially regarding the scales adopted, the hydrological scenarios and the elements represented on flood hazard and risk maps. From the EU-funded project HYTECH, this article presents a general overview of Floods Directive implementation in eight European countries, highlighting the differences between them, with particular attention to flood hazard maps. For the implementation cycle that started at the beginning of 2016, a minimization of such differences is necessary in order to manage flood risk in a better and more integrated way.
Relationships between B‐lineage lymphocytes and stromal cells in long‐term bone marrow cultures

In long‐term culture of mouse bone marrow, the growth and differentiation of B‐lineage lymphocytes depends on interaction with adherent cells or their products. The objectives of these studies were to characterize the types of cells present in the supporting adherent layer as well as the physical relationships of these cells with lymphocytes. With an extensive panel of antibodies against hemopoietic and lymphocyte antigens, two discrete nonlymphoid populations were identified: macrophages and undefined, large cells which we termed “stromal cells”. Lymphocyte clusters grew in actual contact with the latter cells only. Stromal cells lacked expression of most hemopoietic antigens, including the common leukocyte antigen, J11d, heat stable antigen (M1/69), Thy‐1 and BP1. Antigens expressed by stromal cells were detected by AA4.1, our 94.2 antibody, and antibody to the Forsmann antigen, but the most distinguishing characteristics of the lymphocyte‐binding stromal cells were production of basement membrane components, laminin and collagen IV, and the extremely low uptake of acetylated low density lipoprotein (LDL). Using acetylated LDL uptake as a sorting criterion, the lymphocyte‐binding stromal cells were separated from the macrophages, recultured and shown to support lymphocyte proliferation. We found the binding between stromal cells and lymphocytes to be highly selective and dependent on divalent cations; hence, specialized adhesion mechanisms may have a role in B cell development. Moreover, our studies suggest that phosphatidylinositolanchored cell surface molecules may be involved in this adhesion. Our findings demonstrate the possibility that a single cell type provides physical support and proliferation stimuli for early B‐lineage cells. This accessory cell is not a macrophage; rather, it has features of an endothelial or epithelial cell.
Exploring contract visualization

Research about the psychological effects of contracts on relationship quality hints that effective contract design is not only a matter of selecting the right clauses but also of communicating them in the right way. Recent studies have shown the benefits of using visualizations in contracts to advance clarity, but our understanding of contract visualization in practice is very limited, for lack of field research. We conducted a single case study of how a sales team created visualizations to improve the clarity and the ease-of-negotiation of outsourcing contract documents. Our findings suggest that visualizations help bridging three knowledge gaps in the contracting process: inter-firm; cross-professional; and between contracting phases. In particular, visualizations allow for more effective communication and coordination by increasing clarity and helping the parties to frame the contract and their burgeoning relationship positively. The study expands our understanding of contract design as a strategic relationship-building practice.