Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance in the GCC countries: Empirical assessment using conventional and non-conventional indices

ABSTRACT:The current study focuses on assessing the quality of corporate governance (CG) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries using conventional and non-conventional indices. The purpose of this paper is threefold. Firstly, to extend the conventional equally-weighted Corporate Governance Index (CGI) developed in Al-Malkawi, Pillai and Bhatti (2014) to include both financial and non-financial companies listed in the GCC stock markets, as the former study limited its CGI application to the non-financial companies. Secondly, apart from computing the CGI for all GCC companies, the present research applies a non-conventional Corporate Governance Deviation Index (CGDI), the first attempt of its kind in the GCC setting, proposed by Fan and Yu (2012) to further underpin the results obtained by the CGI and to provide another dimension to comprehend the governance quality of the GCC countries. Finally, the paper also makes an effort to investigate if any differences persist in CG adherence levels between financial (FIN) and non-financial (NFIN) companies. The result shows that most of the firms operating in the GCC countries adhere to factors considered as ideal for ensuring proper disclosure, board effectiveness and shareholders rights. The outcome of the un-weighted CGI indicates that the UAE tops the position, among the GCC countries, as the country best adopting the internal governance mechanisms studied followed by Oman and Saudi Arabia, respectively. Furthermore, the CGDI result affirms that a higher governance score leads to a lower deviation index and vice versa. The paper also observes that there is a statistically significant difference in CG adherence levels between FIN and NFIN in the GCC setting, with FIN displaying higher levels of CG compliance than NFIN. The findings of this study provide some important implications for managers, policy makers and future research.
Effect of Simvastatin/Ezetimibe 10/10 mg Versus Simvastatin 40 mg on Serum Vitamin D Levels

Backround: Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)VitD) have been recognized as an emerging cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Statins are reported to increase 25(OH)VitD concentration. Animal studies suggest that ezetimibe is a moderate inhibitor of intestinal 25(OH)VitD absorption, but its effect in humans is unknown. Aim: To investigate whether combined treatment with simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg would increase 25(OH)VitD levels compared to simvastatin 40 mg monotherapy in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. Methods: In a Prospective Randomized Open-label Blinded End point study, 50 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia received either simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg (n = 25) or simvastatin 40 mg (n = 25) daily for 3 months. The primary end point was between-group difference in the change of serum 25(OH)VitD levels. Results: Simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg was associated with a 36.7% increase in 25(OH)VitD serum levels (from 6.8 to 9.3 ng/mL, P = .000), while simvastatin 40 mg was associated with a 79.1% increase (from 6.7 to 12.0 ng/mL, P = .008). The increase in 25(OH)VitD levels in the simvastatin 40 mg group was significantly greater compared to that in the simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg group (P = .04). Both groups exhibited similar reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Conclusion: For similar LDL-C lowering simvastatin 40 mg is associated with greater increase in 25(OH)VitD compared to simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg. Whether this difference is relevant in terms of CVD risk reduction is unknown.
Cyclic Nucleotides Promote Monocyte Differentiation Toward a DC-SIGN+ (CD209) Intermediate Cell and Impair Differentiation into Dendritic Cells 1

Recruitment of monocytes into tissues and their differentiation into macrophages or dendritic cells (DCs) depend on the microenvironment of the inflammatory site. Although many factors affecting this process have been identified, the intracellular signaling pathways implicated are poorly understood. We found that cyclic nucleotides regulate certain steps of monocyte differentiation into DCs. Increased levels of the cyclic nucleotides, cAMP or cGMP, inhibit differentiation of CD14+/CD1alow monocytes into CD14−/CD1ahigh DCs. However, DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (CD209) up-regulation was not affected by cyclic nucleotides, indicating that DC development was not blocked at the monocyte stage. Interestingly, Ag-presenting function was increased by cyclic nucleotides, as measured by the higher expression of MHC class II, CD86, and an increased ability to stimulate CD4+ T cell proliferation in allogeneic MLRs. Although cyclic nucleotides do not completely block DC differentiation, they do block the ability of DCs to be induced to mature by LPS. Treatment during DC differentiation with either cAMP or cGMP analogues hampered LPS-induced expression of CD83, DC-LAMP, and CCR7 and the ability of DCs to migrate toward CCL19/macrophage-inflammatory protein 3β. Interestingly, the induction of a CD16+ subpopulation of cells was also observed. Thus, signals causing an increase in either cAMP or cGMP levels during monocyte recruitment to inflammatory sites may restrain the activation of acquired immunity by blocking DC development and migration to lymph nodes. At the same time, these signals promote development of an active intermediate cell type having properties between those of macrophages and DCs, which might contribute to the innate immune response in the periphery.
An Efficient Adaptive Binary Range Coder and Its VLSI Architecture

In this paper, we propose a new hardware-efficient adaptive binary range coder (ABRC) and its very-large-scale integration (VLSI) architecture. To achieve this, we follow an approach that allows to reduce the bit capacity of the multiplication needed in the interval division part and shows how to avoid the need to use a loop in the renormalization part of ABRC. The probability estimation in the proposed ABRC is based on a lookup table free virtual sliding window. To obtain a higher compression performance, we propose a new adaptive window size selection algorithm. In comparison with an ABRC with a single window, the proposed system provides a faster probability adaptation at the initial encoding/decoding stage, and more accurate probability estimation for very low entropy binary sources. We show that the VLSI architecture of the proposed ABRC attains a throughput of 105.92 MSymbols/s on the FPGA platform, and consumes 18.15 mW for the dynamic part power. In comparison with the state-of-the-art MQ-coder (used in JPEG2000 standard) and the M-coder (used in H.264/Advanced Video Coding and H.265/High Efficiency Video Coding standards), the proposed ABRC architecture provides comparable throughput, reduced memory, and power consumption. Experimental results obtained for a wavelet video codec with JPEG2000-like bit-plane entropy coder show that the proposed ABRC allows to reduce the bit rate by 0.8%-8% in comparison with the MQ-coder and from 1.0%-24.2% in comparison with the M-coder.
Treatment of photoaged skin with a cream containing 0.05% isotretinoin and sunscreens

Aims: To determine the safety and efficacy of a cream formulation of 0.05% isotretinoin with sunscreens (SPF 15) (I+S) in the treatment of photoaged skin. Design and subjects: A 6‐month, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, vehicle‐controlled study of 346 subjects with photoaged skin, as defined by the presence of fine lines in the periorbital region. The main outcome measure was profilometry measurements of replicas of the periorbital region, taken at 0 and 6 months. Subsidiary outcome measures were clinical scoring of wrinkles/fine lines at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 9 months and histopathology at 0 and 6 months. Methods and results: A total of 172 subjects were randomized to 0.05% I+S and 174 subjects to vehicle. Subjects used the study medication topically, once‐daily for 6 months, followed by a 3‐month washout period. Profilometry measurements of the distance between the highest peak and lowest valley (Rz) and the distance between all valleys and peaks from mid‐line (Ra) showed that subjects using I+S had statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) compared with the vehicle group. Additionally, at all visits, VAS clinical scoring of wrinkles/fine lines showed a statistically significant difference between the groups in favour of I+S. Tolerance assessments showed that more subjects in the I+S group experienced local side effects at the start of the study; however, reports of side effects decreased over time in both groups. Conclusion: This study confirms that I+S improves the appearance of fine wrinkles associated with photoaged skin.
Ciliates Expel Environmental Legionella-Laden Pellets To Stockpile Food

ABSTRACT When Tetrahymena ciliates are cultured with Legionella pneumophila, the ciliates expel bacteria packaged in free spherical pellets. Why the ciliates expel these pellets remains unclear. Hence, we determined the optimal conditions for pellet expulsion and assessed whether pellet expulsion contributes to the maintenance of growth and the survival of ciliates. When incubated with environmental L. pneumophila, the ciliates expelled the pellets maximally at 2 days after infection. Heat-killed bacteria failed to produce pellets from ciliates, and there was no obvious difference in pellet production among the ciliates or bacterial strains. Morphological studies assessing lipid accumulation showed that pellets contained tightly packed bacteria with rapid lipid accumulation and were composed of the layers of membranes; bacterial culturability in the pellets rapidly decreased, in contrast to what was seen in ciliate-free culture, although the bacteria maintained membrane integrity in the pellets. Furthermore, ciliates newly cultured with pellets were maintained and grew vigorously compared with those without pellets. In contrast, a human L. pneumophila isolate killed ciliates 7 days postinfection in a Dot/Icm-dependent manner, and pellets harboring this strain did not support ciliate growth. Also, pellets harboring the human isolate were resuscitated by coculturing with amoebae, depending on Dot/Icm expression. Thus, while ciliates expel pellet-packaged environmental L. pneumophila for stockpiling food, the pellets packaging the human isolate are harmful to ciliate survival, which may be of clinical significance.
Analysis of Dynamic Voluntary Muscle Contractions in Parkinson's Disease

A novel method for discrimination of dynamic muscle contractions between patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy controls on the basis of surface electromyography (EMG) and acceleration measurements is presented. In this method, dynamic EMG and acceleration measurements are analyzed using nonlinear methods and wavelets. Ten parameters capturing Parkinson's disease (PD) characteristic features in the measured signals are extracted. Each parameter is computed as time-varying, and for elbow flexion and extension movements separately. For discrimination between subjects, the dimensionality of the feature vectors formed from these parameters is reduced using a principal component approach. The cluster analysis of the low-dimensional feature vectors is then performed for flexion and extension movements separately. The EMG and acceleration data measured from 49 patients with PD and 59 healthy controls are used for analysis. According to clustering results, the method could discriminate 80% of patient extension movements from 87% of control extension movements, and 73% of patient flexion movements from 82% of control flexion movements. The results show that dynamic EMG and acceleration measurements can be informative for assessing neuromuscular dysfunction in PD, and furthermore, they may help in the objective clinical assessment of the disease.
Evidence for the microbial basis of a chemoautotrophic invertebrate community at a whale fall on the deep seafloor: Bone‐colonizing bacteria and invertebrate endosymbionts

To explore the microbial basis for a remarkable macrofaunal community at the site of a whale skeleton on the seafloor of the Santa Catalina Basin, we obtained samples of whale bone, bone‐colonizing invertebrates, microbial mats, and the dominant fauna in the adjacent sulfide‐rich sediments during Alvin expeditions in 1988 and 1991. Invertebrate tissues were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mats and bone‐penetrating bacteria by epifluorescence microscopy (EM). Tissues from the dominant bivalve Vesicomya c.f. gigas, the mytilid mussel Idasola washingtonia, and selected gastropods and limpets were also assayed chemically for enzymes diagnostic of sulfur‐ and methane‐based chemoautotrophy and for stable carbon isotopic composition. Results of all analyses were consistent with dominant sulfur‐based endosymbioses in the clam and mussel (the first record of endosymbiosis in the genus Idasola) and the general absence of methane symbioses at the site, strengthening the analogy of the whale‐skeleton faunal community to those known from distant Pacific hydrothermal vent sites. Examples of minor endosymbionts, either nitrifying or methanotrophic cells according to internal membrane structures by TEM, raised the possibility of a supplemental mode of nutrition to the clam, or means to remove ammonia in the gill tissue, in the event of significant changes in the chemical environment. Microsc. Res. Tech. 37:162–170, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cultured autologous fibroblasts augment epidermal repair.

BACKGROUND Autologous dermal fibroblasts may be useful in the treatment of skin wounds and for the enhancement of keratinocyte proliferation. This paper addressed the following questions: (1) can cultured fibroblasts (CF) be transplanted as suspensions to full-thickness skin wounds and do they influence wound healing; (2) will the transplanted CF be integrated into the new dermis; (3) can a transgene that encodes a secretable marker, human epidermal growth factor (hEGF), be expressed in the wound fluid by the transplanted CF; and (4) do CF cotransplanted with cultured keratinocytes (CK) influence the rate of wound healing? METHODS Suspensions of CF were transplanted alone or together with CK to full-thickness wounds covered with liquid-containing chambers in an established porcine model. RESULTS Transplantation of CF accelerated reepithelialization as determined from wound histologies and sequential measurements of protein efflux over the wound surface. CF transfected with a marker gene, beta-galactosidase, resulted in in vivo gene expression and demonstrated that transplanted CF integrated into the developing dermis. Transplantation of hEGF gene-transfected CF resulted in significant hEGF expression in wound fluid. The hEGF levels peaked at day 1 (2450 pg/ml) and then sharply decreased to low levels on day 6. CF cotransplanted with CK led to greater number of keratinocyte colonies in the wound and accelerated reepithelialization as compared with CK alone. CONCLUSIONS Transplanted CF integrated into the dermis, accelerated reepithelialization, and improved the outcome of CK transplantation. CF may also be used for the expression of transgenes in wound and wound fluid.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis co-existence with humans: making an imprint on the macrophage P2X(7) receptor gene?

The development of tuberculosis (TB) infection in humans depends on the mycobacterial strain and the human host, and is multigenically controlled in both. ATP ligation of P2X(7) receptors expressed on human macrophages infected with mycobacteria induces cell death and subsequent loss of intracellular bacterial viability. This study analysed the allelic distribution of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the P2RX7 gene in the Slavic population of the St Petersburg area of Russia. Analysis of the -762 C/T P2RX7 promoter SNP revealed no significant association between pulmonary TB patients and control subjects (3x2 chi(2)=3.2, 1 d.f. , P=0.2). The -762C allele was highly and almost equally represented in both groups in this study (68.2 % in patients and 69.3 % in controls). This result differs strikingly from a Gambian study where this allele was found in only 7 and 12 % of pulmonary TB patients and controls, respectively [Li, C. M. , Campbell, S. J., Kumararatne, D. S. , Bellamy, R. , Ruwende, C. , McAdam, K. P. W. J., Hill, A. V. S. & Lammas, D. A. (2002). J Infect Dis 186, 1458-1462]. In contrast, the frequency of the C allele at position 1513 in exon 13, resulting in a loss of P2X(7) function, was significantly higher among pulmonary TB patients in this study (P=0.02). Thus, analysis of the P2X(7) receptor gene in the Russian Slavic population showed that the 1513C allele, acting dominantly, is a possible risk factor for clinical TB, whereas the -762 P2RX7 polymorphism did not appear to be associated with human susceptibility to TB.
Investing against the wind: contagion during the recent financial crisis

ABSTRACT This article examines the effect of Warren Buffett’s investment in Goldman Sachs on 24 September 2008, during the subprime mortgage crisis. Although this event is arguably perceived to be the biggest expression of confidence in the financial market during the crisis, by conducting event studies, we do not find the major counterparties of Goldman Sachs displayed positive abnormal returns. Moreover, the abnormal return is not significantly related to the counterparty connection. We have similar findings on these financial institutions’ default probabilities using credit default swap.
Regulation of mouse neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor gene transcription: a potential role for nuclear factor-kappa B/Rel proteins.

We previously isolated a 1.3-kb genomic fragment in the 5'-flanking region of the murine neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor gene, which is able to drive the expression of LacZ reporter gene in neuronal cells. We determined the ability of deletion mutants of this region to modulate transcription of the heterologous luciferase gene in the Y1 receptor-expressing neuroblastoma/ glioma NG108-15 cells and the Y1 receptor-deficient 293 cells. Results suggest the presence of a cell type-specific core promoter (-399 to -218 from the initiator ATG) and, upstream, of two positive and two negative regulatory elements. Sequence analysis of the Y1 receptor promoter identified two decameric sequences corresponding to consensus binding sites for nuclear factor-kappa B/Rel proteins. Gel shift analysis indicated that a 29-bp oligonucleotide comprising the two putative kappa B sites, which we refer to as Y1-kappa B sequence, specifically binds kappa B-related complexes in nuclear extracts from rat brain areas, NG108-15 cells, and the murine T cell clone A.E7. In nuclear extracts from A.E7 and NG108-15 cells, the Y1-kappa B sequence specifically binds an additional complex whose molecular nature remains to be elucidated. Through transient transfection studies, we also demonstrated that the Y1-kappa B sequence acts as an enhancer element, inferring its potential role in regulation of the Y1 receptor gene expression.
Submaximal arm crank ergometry: Effects of crank axis positioning on mechanical efficiency, physiological strain and perceived discomfort

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the spatial orientation of the crank axis on mechanical efficiency, physiological strain and perceived discomfort in submaximal synchronous arm crank ergometry. Methods: Twelve able-bodied individuals performed 12 submaximal exercise bouts of 3 minutes (women: 20 W/25 W; men: 25 W/35 W). The crank axis position was defined by elbow and shoulder angle. Results: The results showed that a crank set-up with an elbow angle of 30° was more efficient than 15°; oxygen consumption and minute ventilation were significantly lower. No significant effects were seen for shoulder angle. Power output and gender showed obvious effects. Discussion and conclusion: The magnitude of this effect and the absence of any significant shoulder angle effects may be due to the relative low exertion levels that were evaluated. An elbow angle of 30° flexion in arm crank exercise is favourable compared to an elbow angle of 15° in able-bodied untrained subjects.
Prescribers' perceptions of the diversion and injection of medication by opioid substitution treatment patients.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS To examine Australian opioid substitution treatment (OST) prescribers' perceptions of (i) diversion and/or injection of methadone, buprenorphine, buprenorphine-naloxone by patients; and (ii) effectiveness of current treatment policies in minimising the associated risks. DESIGN AND METHODS 1278 authorised OST prescribers, identified by each jurisdiction's health department records, were sent a postal survey in 2007. Reminder letters and additional copies of the survey were sent to non-responders at weeks four and eight following the initial mail-out. Respondents went into a draw to win one of ten $100 book vouchers. RESULTS Although the response rate was 26% (N = 291), participating prescribers served half (49%) of all OST patients in Australia. Prescribers perceived more buprenorphine patients removed supervised doses (7%) and diverted unsupervised doses (20%), compared with methadone patients (1% and 4% respectively) and buprenorphine-naloxone patients (3% and 2% respectively). Prescribers reported significantly more buprenorphine and buprenorphine-naloxone patients injected doses (5% respectively), compared with methadone patients (2%). Non-adherence was identified through patient self-report (51%), and the reports of pharmacists (49%) and other staff (34%). More prescribers were confident in assessing the risk of injection (54%) than diversion (37%). Many prescribers responded 'don't know' to quantitative survey items. Qualitative responses highlighted uncertainties in assessing diversion/injection and whether current responses constituted 'best practice'. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Australian prescribers perceive most patients adhere with OST, although they may underestimate the levels of diversion. Prescribers' beliefs about patients' behaviours are important and influence decisions to prescribe, medication choice and suitability for unsupervised dosing. The uncertainties in assessing and responding to diversion/injection may be a factor deterring prescribers' participation in OST.