Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Platelet Storage Pool Deficiency and Prostaglandin Synthesis in Chronic Granulocytic Leukaemia

Summary. Platelet function was evaluated in eight patients with chronic granulocytic leukaemia (CGL), seven Ph1 positive and one Ph1 negative. Seven of the eight patients’platelets had an absence of the second wave of adrenaline induced aggregation on at least one occasion, while five had impaired collagen aggregation. The platelets of all seven patients with abnormal responses to adrenaline, aggregated with arachidonic acid, thus ruling out a cyclo‐oxygenase deficiency. A marked decrease in the ADP, serotonin, and dense body content of platelets was found in all five patients evaluated. Mixtures of CGL patient platelets with platelets from normal donors who had ingested aspirin gave a normal biphasic response to adrenaline. Normal release of the storage pool contents from aspirin treated platelets was shown by stirring a mixture of CGL platelets and 14C‐serotonin labelled aspirin treated platelets with adrenaline. The CGL platelets alone or in the mixture produced malondialdehyde in response to adrenaline. These experimental results suggest that CGL platelets have a storage pool deficiency but can synthesize prostaglandins and thromboxanes in response to arachidonic acid and adrenaline.
Stochastic Populations, Power Law and Fitness Aggregation in Genetic Algorithms

Natural populations are dynamic in both time and space. In biological populations such as insects, spatial distribution patterns are often studied as the first step to characterize population dynamics. In nature, the spatial distribution patterns of insect populations are considered as the emergent expression property of individual behaviors at population levels and are fine-tuned or optimized by natural selection. This inspiration prompts us to investigate the possibly similar mechanisms in Genetic Algorithms GA populations. In this study, we introduce the mathematical models for the spatial distribution patterns of insect populations to GA with the conjecture that the emulation of biological populations in nature may lead to computational improvement. In particular, we introduce three modeling approaches from the research of spatial distribution patterns of insect populations: i probability distribution modeling approach, ii aggregation index approach, and iii Taylor's 1961, 1977 Power Law, Iwao's 1968, 1976 Mean Crowding Model and Ma's 1991c population aggregation critical density PACD, to characterize populations in GA. With these three approaches, we investigate four mappings from the research field of insect spatial distribution patterns to GA populations in order to search for possible counterpart mechanisms or features in GA. They are: i mapping insect spatial distribution patterns to GA populations or allowing GA populations to be controlled by stochastic distribution models that describe insect spatial distributions; ii mapping insect population distribution to GA population fitness distribution via Power Law and PACD modeling; iii mapping population aggregation dynamics to GA fitness progression across generations or fitness aggregation dynamics in GA via insect population aggregation index; iv mapping insect population sampling model to optimal GA population sizing. With regard to the mapping i, the experiment results show the significant improvements in GA computational efficiency in terms of the reduced fitness evaluations and associated costs. This prompts us to suggest using probability distribution models, or what we call stochastic GA populations, to replace the fixed-size population settings. We also found the counterpart for the second mapping, the wide applicability of Power Law and Mean Crowding model to the fitness distribution in GA populations. The testing of the third and fourth mappings is very preliminary; we use example cases to suggest two further research problems: the potential to use fitness aggregation dynamics for controlling the number of generations iterated in GA searches, and the possibility to use fitness aggregation distribution parameters [obtained in mapping ii] in determining the optimum population size in GA. A third interesting research problem is to investigate the relationship between mapping i and iii, i.e., the controlling of both population sizes and population generations.
Agonist-Induced Hypertrophy and Diastolic Dysfunction Are Associated With Selective Reduction in Glucose Oxidation: A Metabolic Contribution to Heart Failure With Normal Ejection Fraction

Background—Activation of the renin-angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems may alter the cardiac energy substrate preference, thereby contributing to the progression of heart failure with normal ejection fraction. We assessed the qualitative and quantitative effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and the &agr;-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine (PE), on cardiac energy metabolism in experimental models of hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction and the role of the Ang II type 1 receptor. Methods and Results—Ang II (1.5 mg·kg−1·day−1) or PE (40 mg·kg−1·day−1) was administered to 9-week-old male C57/BL6 wild-type mice for 14 days via implanted microosmotic pumps. Echocardiography showed concentric hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, with preserved systolic function in Ang II- and PE-treated mice. Ang II induced marked reduction in cardiac glucose oxidation and lactate oxidation, with no change in glycolysis and fatty acid &bgr;-oxidation. Tricarboxylic acid acetyl coenzyme A production and ATP production were reduced in response to Ang II. Cardiac pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 expression was upregulated by Ang II and PE, resulting in a reduction in the pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, the rate-limiting step for carbohydrate oxidation. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 upregulation correlated with the activation of the cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase-retinoblastoma protein-E2F pathway in response to Ang II. Ang II type 1 receptor blockade normalized the activation of the cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase-retinoblastoma protein-E2F pathway and prevented the reduction in glucose oxidation but increased fatty acid oxidation. Conclusions—Ang II- and PE-induced hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction is associated with reduced glucose oxidation because of the cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase-retinoblastoma protein-E2F–induced upregulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4, and targeting these pathways may provide novel therapy for heart failure with normal ejection fraction.
Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth: Evidence from GEM Data

There is a widespread perception among scholars and policymakers that a link exists between entrepreneurship and GDP growth. Based on data from 33 OECD countries between 2001 and 2011, this essay aims to empirically investigate the impact of entrepreneurship on economic growth. More specifically, this essay seeks to analyze how entrepreneurship contributes to different types of economic growth. In doing so, I distinguish between two types of economic growth: intensive growth, measured as GDP growth, and inclusive growth, measured as real disposal household income. The empirical results provide three main findings. First, the results show strong support of a positive relationship between entrepreneurship and intensive growth, applying both an OLS and 2SLS method. The latter method is used in an attempt to reduce possible endogeneity of entrepreneurship. Second, a non-linear relationship between entrepreneurship and intensive growth seems to exist. Third, using an Error Correction Model (ECM) for panel data, this essay find strong support for a positive long-run relationship between entrepreneurship and inclusive growth. However, this result does not appear in the short-run. This study confirms previous research on the relationship between entrepreneurship and intensive growth. In addition, the significant effects on inclusive growth have, to the best of my knowledge, never been shown empirically before within the OECD countries. Thus, this study ad further to the current entrepreneurial literature by showing that entrepreneurship not only affects GDP growth but also inclusive growth.
Appendix for “ Optimal Expectations and Limited Medical Testing ”

In this appendix we develop a version of the optimal expectations model with continuous action choices. We focus on the case of quadratic loss, and assume symmetry (Ω = Φ). That is, we assume that the loss to moving away from the correct action is the same regardless of the true state. Given that a central argument in favor of this model is that it works with this symmetry assumption, it seems reasonable to develop the continuous action case with this assumption. It is worth noting that an extreme form of asymmetry in which the loss to taking the wrong action if the true state is “sick” is much larger than the loss to taking the wrong action when the true state is “healthy” could cause this to break down. But this is the case in the binary model as well. The goal in this appendix is simply to demonstrate that the assumption that action a is binary is not necessary to derive our results.
The Staphylococcus aureus NuoL-Like Protein MpsA Contributes to the Generation of Membrane Potential

ABSTRACT In aerobic microorganisms, the entry point of respiratory electron transfer is represented by the NADH:quinone oxidoreductase. The enzyme couples the oxidation of NADH with the reduction of quinone. In the type 1 NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Ndh1), this reaction is accompanied by the translocation of cations, such as H+ or Na+. In Escherichia coli, cation translocation is accomplished by the subunit NuoL, thus generating membrane potential (Δψ). Some microorganisms achieve NADH oxidation by the alternative, nonelectrogenic type 2 NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Ndh2), which is not cation translocating. Since these enzymes had not been described in Staphylococcus aureus, the goal of this study was to identify proteins operating in the NADH:quinone segment of its respiratory chain. We demonstrated that Ndh2 represents a NADH:quinone oxidoreductase in S. aureus. Additionally, we identified a hypothetical protein in S. aureus showing sequence similarity to the proton-translocating subunit NuoL of complex I in E. coli: the NuoL-like protein MpsA. Mutants with deletion of the nuoL-like gene mpsA and its corresponding operon, mpsABC (mps for membrane potential-generating system), exhibited a small-colony-variant-like phenotype and were severely affected in Δψ and oxygen consumption rates. The MpsABC proteins did not confer NADH oxidation activity. Using an Na+/H+ antiporter-deficient E. coli strain, we could show that MpsABC constitute a cation-translocating system capable of Na+ transport. Our study demonstrates that MpsABC represent an important functional system of the respiratory chain of S. aureus that acts as an electrogenic unit responsible for the generation of Δψ.
Reconciling national with international accounting standards

The IASC has suggested a number of ways by which listed companies could present financial statements that conform with International Accounting Standards (IAS). This paper considers the feasibility and usefulness of those options. In particular, the reconciliation of domestic financial statements to IAS, and the degree of harmonization likely to be achieved as a result, is examined by means of an empirical study of Finnish corporate reports. The reconciliations and other IAS information provided by the unique case of seventeen Finnish companies are examined in detail over a three-year period. Gray's index of conservatism (Gray, 1980) is used to examine the impact on profit and shareholders' equity of the various adjustments in the reconciliations.It is concluded that the insight provided by the IAS information is limited due to: the reduced quality of information provided regarding the Finnish (FAS) and IAS accounting policies followed; the combination of adjustments, some of which are material, included under 'other items'; the lack of an adjustment or explanation in some cases where FAS and IAS policies obviously differ; inadequate explanation as to the nature, magnitude and direction of the adjustments; and the lack of consistency in presentation. The authors conclude by suggesting some ways forward for the IASC in conjunction with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
An improved Extremum-Seeking based MPPT for grid-connected PV systems with partial shading

This work deals with single-stage three-phase grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV) systems with a focus on developing an efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique under partial shading conditions. As partially shaded PV arrays exhibit a multi-modal behavior on their Power-Voltage (P-V) characteristics with a number of possible patterns, the MPPT strategy under such conditions is a complex and challenging task. An Extremum-Seeking Control (ESC) based method is proposed in this paper to track the global power peak under non-uniform irradiance conditions. It relies on the measurements of power and estimation of the power gradient to iteratively determine the segment of the P-V characteristics in which the global peak lies, without converging at the other local maxima. The proposed method is compared to the sequential ESC-based MPPT method presented in the literature. Different test scenarios of partial shading show that the proposed method can reach the global peak with a faster convergence rate and higher tracking efficiency than conventional approaches.
Inflation expectations and the structure of the New-Keynesian Phillips Curve

We extend the analysis of Ball (2000) on near-rational expectations. We show that near-rational expectations imply nontrivial additional forecast errors and the degree of error depends on the monetary regime. Moreover, this scheme of expectations does not by itself give support to the New Keynesian Phillips Curve but only to the version built on the staggered prices model of Taylor 1980). The standard model of Calvo 1983 is rejected both under rational expectations and under near-rational expectations in the sense of Ball (2000).
Climate Change and Sustainable Development Series

This paper tackles the „pollution haven‟ argument by estimating the pollution content of imports (PCI). The PCI is then decomposed into three components: (i) a „deep‟ component (i.e. traditional variables unrelated to the environmental debate); (ii) a factor endowment component and (iii) a „pollution haven‟ component reflecting the impact of differences in environmental policies. The estimation is carried out for 1987 for an extensive data set covering 10 pollutants, 48 countries and 79 ISIC 4-digit sectors. Decompositions based on cross-section econometric estimates suggest a significant pollution haven effect which increases the PCI of the North because of stricter environmental regulations in the North. At the same time, the factor endowment effect lowers the PCI of the North, as the North is relatively well-endowed in capital and pollution-intensive activities are capital intensive. On a global scale, because the bulk of trade is intra-regional with a high North-North share, these effects are small relative to the „deep‟ determinants of the worldwide PCI. In sum, differences in factor endowments and environmental policies have only marginally affected the PCI of world trade at the end of the eighties. JEL Classification numbers: F18, Q56
Aid, Non-Traded Goods, and Growth

We examine the effects of foreign aid in a small recipient country with two traded goods, one non-traded good, and two factors. Learning by doing and intersectoral knowledge spillovers contribute to endogenous growth. We obtain two main results. First, a permanent increase in untied aid raises (or lowers) the growth rate if and only if the non-traded good is more capital intensive (or effective labour intensive) than the operating traded good. Second, a permanent increase in untied aid raises welfare if the non-traded good is more capital intensive than the operating traded good; otherwise, it may raise or lower welfare.
Using PSL/PSA to Model Information System Planning for The United States Department of the Army Headquarters

The US Army first adopted information s¥stem planning techniques in the early 1980s. What has evolved ~s a complex automated model of the functions, classes of information, systems, data flow, organizational responsibility, and their interrelationships. The intent of this paper is not to explain the methodology used in this model but to demonstrate the use of a modern, second generation CASE tool (PSLjPSA) in its implementation. This is an information model of a portion of a large military organization. However, these tools and methods should aid any large or~anization to better understand and control its informat~on requirements. The problems encountered, lessons learned, and recommendations corning from this experience will also be of value to systems planners and integrators. This paper briefly discusses PSLjPSA, and the background" of information system planning by the Army. The ~roblems in attempting to perform information s¥stem plann~ng by manual means are addressed, as well as the benef~ts of an automated model. What are the data requirements for an information model? What analysis must be performed? What naming conventions should be used and why? What objects are needed? What relationships? How do they interact? How do these objects and relationships ma~ into PSLjPSA? Answers to these and other questions are prov~ded, as well as detailed syntax for the PSLjPSA implementation of the information model. The output requirements for information system planning are also discussed, and some sam~le reports are provided. Finally, lessons learned by the exper~ence are shared, along with recommendations and the current status of the information modeling efforts. DISCLAIMER: Please note that the opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not represent a position taken by the united States Army or any agency of the united states Government. This paper has been cleared for open publication by the united states Department of Defense on 11 Jan 1989. (885758)
Complementarities between franchise contract duration and multi-unit propensity in franchise systems

This article explores the determinants of two crucial decisions in franchising relations: the contract length and the franchisers' propensity to allow franchisees to own several stores. The results show that franchisers alleviate franchisees' fears of hold-up by providing them with longer contract length. The findings also show that the lower the contracting experience of the franchisers and the higher the potential free-riding in a franchise system, the shorter the contract duration. Regarding multi-unit franchising, franchisers have a lower propensity to allow franchisees to own several outlets when the cost of monitoring outlet managers are high, and they have a greater propensity to offer multi-unit opportunities when free-riding appears to be a threat. The findings also show the existence of complementarities between the decisions studied, such that they constitute a system of interdependent elements.
Dirt Research for Media Industries

Media industries scholarship takes for granted that media industries produce media commodities. The most prominent approaches in this scholarship are production culture studies focusing on media work contexts, political economic analysis that prioritizes ownership, and policy studies attending to regulatory structures. But as the major contributions of cultural theory instruct us, media produce far more than commodities. Even economist Harold Innis proposed that a study of the deep, resource-based infrastructure of major industrial sectors was essential to any full accounting of economic life. This essay addresses how Innis’s concept of “dirt” research helps us expand the boundaries of media industries studies. It shows that the concept simultaneously asks us to take stock of deep economic relations, as well as the shifting cultural formations that result. Media industries scholarship, in this way, might just be able to navigate away from a creeping administrative pull toward analyses that help “improve” dominant institutional and competitive operations, and instead encompass a wider epistemological frame that will denaturalize the priorities set by reigning media corporations.
Does the Market Fixate on Reported Earnings for R&D Firms?

By mandating that research and development (R&D) spending be expensed immediately, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 2 (FASB [1974]) potentially distorts the income statement in the sense that good news (e.g., an increase in pre-R&D earnings concurrent with a larger increase in R&D spending) could translate into reported bad news (i.e., a decline in reported earnings) and vice versa. In this paper, we focus our analysis on a directed sample of firms for which reported earnings are highly distorted by changes in R&D spending, and rely on intraday trading data and event study tests of both stock returns and trading activity (at the time of quarterly earnings announcements) to examine whether the stock market is fixated on reported earnings or whether it attempts to “look beyond” reported earnings by utilizing the information on R&D spending disclosed as part of the earnings announcement. The results suggest that R&D spending information has an effect on trading activity for all trade sizes and firm information environments, but no price effect for firms with relatively impoverished information environments. The implications of our findings are discussed.
Urban Regeneration and Sustainable Communities: The Role of Networks, Innovation, and Creativity in Building Successful Partnerships

The following examination goes against the current trend in policy on urban regeneration partnerships by relaxing the assumption that they represent virtuous circles of mutually reinforcing actions that are good in their own right. It does this by offering a critique of the market-led urban regeneration initiatives and suggesting that they be replaced by a plan-led alternative. This would entail strategic actions being based on a sufficiently “place-based” knowledge of what communities need to be sustainable. Urban regeneration now uses partnerships, with cities, regional development agencies, and businesses seeking to leverage resources from the private sector and channel money, capital, and professional expertise into the development of villages and neighborhoods as part of the search for sustainable communities. By focusing on the social capital of collaborative platforms and consensus building, it has become possible to recognize the critical role networks, innovation, and creative partnerships play in representing places that are not only sites of ecological integrity, equity, and democratic renewal, but that are also locations where socially inclusive decision making can institutionalize the civic values required for the regeneration of urban villages and neighborhoods as self-sustaining communities.