Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of STARD4 in sterol transport between the endocytic recycling compartment and the plasma membrane

The kinetics of sterol transport between the plasma membrane and the endocytic recycling compartment is measured using fluorescence microscopy. STARD4, a small, soluble sterol transport protein, is responsible for 25% of the total transport and 33% of nonvesicular transport. Elevated cholesterol dramatically increases sterol transport rate constants.
Increased Neural Sympathetic Activation in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, although the mechanisms underlying the pain have not been fully elucidated. FM patients describe a number of nonspecific symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, and gastrointestinal complaints, which appear after a flu‐like illness, or after physical or emotional trauma in half of the patients, and are often exacerbated by exertion, stress, lack of sleep, and weather changes. There may also be symptoms of orthostatic intolerance, which suggests underlying abnormalities in cardiovascular neural regulation. Research suggests that various components of the central nervous system are involved, including the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis, pain‐processing pathways, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This review discusses the general aspects of the altered HPA and ANS, sympathetic overactivity, and alterations in cardiovascular autonomic responses to gravitational stimuli.
Rethinking Social Policy and Society

Political and administrative processes are leading to collectively undesirable and intolerable societal outcomes in the advanced liberal democracies, as policymakers seek to address social issues in the design and implementation of new social policies that actively govern conduct. Behavioural regulation is the order of the day. For scholars interested in the development of social policy and the idea of a society as a whole, it is timely to begin the revaluation of the very notion of social policy and society beyond the ‘active’ neoliberal policy paradigm. Here we are particularly concerned with the ends and means of the coercive policy instruments and the active ethical issues arising from their use.
Neurodegeneration in Lurcher Mice Occurs via Multiple Cell Death Pathways

Lurcher (Lc) is a gain-of-function mutation in the δ2 glutamate receptor (GRID2) that results in the cell-autonomous death of cerebellar Purkinje cells in heterozygouslurcher (+/Lc) mice. This in turn triggers the massive loss of afferent granule cells during the first few postnatal weeks. Evidence suggests that the death of Purkinje cells as a direct consequence of GRID2Lc activation and the secondary death of granule cells because of target deprivation occur by apoptosis. We have used mice carryingnull mutations of both the Bax andp53 genes to examine the roles of these genes in cell loss in lurcher animals. The absence ofBax delayed Purkinje cell death in response to theGRID2Lc mutation and permanently rescued the secondary death of granule cells. In contrast, thep53 deletion had no effect on either cell death pathway. Our results demonstrate that target deprivation induces aBax-dependent, p53-independent cell death response in cerebellar granule cells in vivo. In contrast, Bax plays a minor role in GRID2Lc-mediated Purkinje cell death.
Cooperative Formation and Peer Effects in Fisheries

ABSTRACT The economic benefits that arise following the transition to a rights-based fishery management regime accrue on both the extensive and intensive margins. This research explores the changes in fleet composition, economic performance, and coordination that occurred following the introduction of the Bering Sea Crab Rationalization Program. On the extensive margin, we estimate the relative efficiency of vessels within each fishing cooperative to look for potential arbitrage opportunities when selecting which vessels will fish the cooperative's quota allocation. On the intensive margin, we investigate the role of peer effects in facilitating the flow of information within the cooperative. The results support two hypotheses within the red king and snow crab fisheries: (1) the cooperatives which formed appear to have exploited the intracooperative efficiency arbitrage opportunities, and (2) an increase in landings by a fellow cooperative member tends to increase one's own landings, a positive peer effect. JEL Codes: Q22, Q28, D83.
Relationship between nursing staffing and quality of life in nursing homes.

PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between nurse staffing and quality of life in nursing homes. METHODS This is a descriptive, correlational study. The independent variables were nursing staffing hours per resident day (HPRD), skill mix HPRD, and turnover rate of nursing staff. The data for the dependent variables were collected using the quality of life (QOL) section of minimum data set (MDS) version 3.0. Hierarchical linear models were used for data analysis. RESULTS Few staffing variables were statistically associated with residents' QOL. More RN HPRD were associated with better comfort and enjoyment domains, more licensed practical nurses (LPN) HPRD were associated with better dignity, and more certified nurse assistant (CNA) HPRD were associated with better functional competence domains. In terms of skill mix, the unique contribution of more RNs (to less LPN or CNAs) was supported in the functional competence of residents. However, surprising results were that: (a) as the HPRD of RNs increased, the scores of meaningful activity and relationship decreased; and (b) the contribution of LPNs (more LPNs to less RNs) were supported in the autonomy and spiritual well-being domains. Interestingly, nursing staff turnover is positively correlated with some domains of QOL: (a) a higher score in the enjoyment domain with increased RN turnover; and (b) a higher score in privacy, relationship, and individuality domains with increased turnover of LPNs. CONCLUSION This is a preliminary study to investigate the relationship between nursing staffing and QOL for nursing home residents. Further examination is needed to confirm the relationship and provide policy guidelines, including nurse staffing recommendations.
The NCAR Microwave Temperature Profiler: Data applications from recent deployments

A Microwave Temperature Profiler (MTP) was developed for research with the NSF-NCAR Gulfstream-V aircraft. MTP is a scanning microwave radiometer that measures thermal emission at spectral lines in the 50-60 GHz oxygen complex. A statistical retrieval method derives vertical temperature profiles from the measurements using radiosonde profiles in the vicinity of the aircraft as a priori information. This paper describes application of MTP data for analysis of data collected in recent field projects with varied scientific objectives.
VA-Index: Quantifying Assortativity Patterns in Networks with Multidimensional Nodal Attributes

Network connections have been shown to be correlated with structural or external attributes of the network vertices in a variety of cases. Given the prevalence of this phenomenon network scientists have developed metrics to quantify its extent. In particular, the assortativity coefficient is used to capture the level of correlation between a single-dimensional attribute (categorical or scalar) of the network nodes and the observed connections, i.e., the edges. Nevertheless, in many cases a multi-dimensional, i.e., vector feature of the nodes is of interest. Similar attributes can describe complex behavioral patterns (e.g., mobility) of the network entities. To date little attention has been given to this setting and there has not been a general and formal treatment of this problem. In this study we develop a metric, the vector assortativity index (VA-index for short), based on network randomization and (empirical) statistical hypothesis testing that is able to quantify the assortativity patterns of a network with respect to a vector attribute. Our extensive experimental results on synthetic network data show that the VA-index outperforms a baseline extension of the assortativity coefficient, which has been used in the literature to cope with similar cases. Furthermore, the VA-index can be calibrated (in terms of parameters) fairly easy, while its benefits increase with the (co-)variance of the vector elements, where the baseline systematically over(under)estimate the true mixing patterns of the network.
Two Products Manufacturer's Production Decisions with Carbon Constraint

In this paper, we consider a manufacture which produces both ordinary products and green products in a monopoly market, and investigate his production decisions with carbon constraint. Firstly, we derive the manufacturer’s optimal production and maximum profit without carbon constraint. Then, we discuss the optimal production and maximum profit with carbon constraint in different situation. The results indicate that manufacturer’s optimal production and maximum profit with carbon constraint are less than them without carbon constraint, optimal production is an increasing function with carbon constraint.
How Integrated is the Indian Wheat Market?

Abstract Applying the momentum-threshold autoregressive (M-TAR) model due to Enders and Granger (Enders, W. and Granger, C.W.J. (1998) Unit root tests and asymmetric adjustment with an example using the term structure of interest rates. Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, 16(3), pp. 304–311), this article examines the relationship between the various prices of wheat quoted at different market centres in four Indian states. We find evidence of M-TAR asymmetric adjustments of wheat prices, indicating that price signals within states are transmitted over time in an asymmetric manner. This type of price adjusting behaviour is consistent as to how price differentials may respond to poor dissemination of knowledge regarding market conditions and high transactions costs. The results offer important policy implications.
Financial Disclosure Levels and Foreign Stock Exchange Listing Decisions

Firms are increasingly listing their shares on foreign stock exchanges. However, not all exchanges have had equal appeal. Anecdotal evidence suggests that when firms are making foreign listing decisions, they are influenced by financial disclosure requirements. As a result, regulatory authorities around the globe are weighing increasing demands for foreign capital and investment opportunities against the desire to protect domestic investors from possibly misleading foreign financial disclosures. The competitiveness of domestic stock exchanges often hangs in the balance. This study examines a key question in this debate: whether firms' choices regarding alternative foreign stock exchange listings are influenced by financial disclosure levels. Examined are the listings of 302 internationally traded firms with at least one foreign listing, on one of nine major exchanges, as of year-end 1987. Also examined are changes in listings between 1981 and 1987, an important design feature since these changes are more likely to have been influenced by differences across countries in financial disclosure levels during this period. Financial disclosure levels are obtained from a survey of 142 experts actively involved in the foreign listing process. Test results based on the cross-section of listings at year-end 1987 are consistent with the hypothesis that exchange choices are influenced by financial disclosure levels. However, they do not lend support to a second hypothesis suggesting that this effect should operate only for firms whose domestic disclosure levels are lower than those of a given foreign exchange. Tests based on changes in listings between 1981 and 1987 support both hypotheses. Overall, the results lend credence to concerns expressed by regulatory authorities and exchange officials that stringent disclosure levels could reduce access to foreign capital and foreign investment opportunities.
Oshoring and Wages: Evidence from Norway

We use matched employer-employee data from Norwegian manufacturing combined with rm level trade data from the customs declarations for the period 1996-2007 in order to investigate the impact of both rm and industry level oshoring on individual level wages. We estimate worker-level Mincer wage equations where we include both industry level and rm level oshoring
Altered Susceptibility to in Vitro Oxidation of LDL in LDL Complexes and LDL Aggregates

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is known to form complexes with polysulfated compounds, like heparin, dextran sulfate (DS), and chondroitin sulfate. In particular, chondroitin 6-sulfate (C6S)-rich proteoglycans of the arterial intima can associate with LDL, resulting in accumulation of LDL in atherosclerotic lesions. Besides LDL complex formation, LDL self-aggregation has been recently suggested to play a role in atherogenesis. Oxidative modification of LDL has also been implicated as a factor in the generation of the atherosclerotic plaque. Assuming that LDL self-aggregation may alter the molecule's susceptibility to oxidative modification, we have studied the sensitivity of LDL in LDL a aggregates as well as in insoluble and soluble LDL-C6S, LDL-heparin, and LDL-DS complexes to in vitro oxidation by cooper ions. Complexing the LDL with C6S and heparin resulted in an increased susceptibility of LDL to in vitro oxidation, whereas the oxidation of LDL complexed with DS was unaffected. In great contrast to the oxidation of LDL in LDL complexes, the in vitro oxidation of LDL in LDL aggregates (self-aggregation by denaturation) was strongly reduced. The results suggest that complex or aggregate formation may alter the susceptibility of the lipoprotein to oxidative modification and finally its metabolic fate or biological activity.
Production of SacI and SacII isoschizomers by soil streptomycetes

Five fresh soil Streptomyces spp. strains were isolated, phylogenetically characterized on the basis of 16S rDNA sequences and analyzed for the presence of restriction modification systems. Three type II site-specific endonucleases were detected and partially purified. Two isolated enzymes were isoschizomers of SacI restriction endonuclease recognizing 5′-GAGCTC-3′ sequence; the third one recognised 5′-CCGCGG-3′ sequence and it was an isoschizomer of SacII. SacII like modification was observed in other two isolates having no detectable restriction activity. The lack of correlation between restriction and modification phenotypes and phylogenetic classification of the isolates indicates efficient gene transfer mechanism in the Streptomyces genus.
An Economic Analysis of Auto Compensation Systems: Choice Experiences From New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Nearly since the first automobile traveled on U.S. soil, questions about how best to compensate people injured by their use have been raised. As early as in 1932, in fact, the tort system of imposing costs on negligent drivers was strongly criticized, and a system of compensation without regard to negligence recommended. Yet despite various efforts to identify and implement improved systems during the past more than 70 years, no clear best compensation mechanism has been found. Current discussions have focused on the "choice" system, under which insureds are allowed to select either a tort system or a no-fault system of compensation at the time of insurance purchase. New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which implemented very similar choice programs in 1989 and 1990, respectively, offer an opportunity to observe the effects of choice on outcomes such as: use of attorneys, speed of payment, and consistency (equity) of payment. Our results indicate outcomes consistent with expectations in New Jersey (NJ), which switched from no-fault to choice, but inconsistent with expectations in Pennsylvania (PA), which switched from tort to choice. Furthermore, analysis of tort versus no-fault selectors postchoice in New Jersey and Pennsylvania does not offer clear evidence of no-fault's lower administrative costs and speedier, more equitable payment in these jurisdictions.
Societal implications of medical insurance coverage for imatinib as first-line treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in China: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objectives: Imatinib (Glivec) and nilotinib (Tasigna) have been covered by critical disease insurance in Jiangsu province of China since 2013, which changed local treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This study evaluated the long-term cost-effectiveness of insurance coverage with imatinib as the first-line treatment for patients with CML in China from a societal perspective. Methods: A decision-analytic model based on previously published and real-world evidence was applied to simulate and evaluate the lifetime clinical and economic outcomes associated with CML treatments before and after imatinib was covered by medical insurance. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated with both costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) discounted at 3% annually. Different assumptions of treatment benefits and costs were taken to address uncertainties and were tested with sensitivity analyses. Results: In base case analysis, both cost and effectiveness of CML treatments increased after imatinib was covered by the medical insurance; on average, the incremental QALY and cost were 5.5 and ¥277,030 per patient in lifetime, respectively. The ICER of insurance coverage with imatinib was ¥50,641, which is less than the GDP per capita of China. Monte Carlo simulation resulted in the estimate of 100% probability that the insurance coverage of imatinib is cost-effective. Total cost was substantially saved at 5 years after patients initiated imatinib treatment with insurance coverage compared to no insurance coverage, the saved cost at 5 years was ¥99,565, which included the cost savings from both direct (e.g. cost of bone marrow or stem cell transplant) and indirect costs (e.g. productivity loss of patients and care-givers). Conclusions: The insurance coverage of imatinib is very cost-effective in China, according to the local cost and clinical data in Jiangsu province. More importantly, the insurance coverage of imatinib and nilotinib have changed the treatment patterns of CML patients, thus dramatically increasing life expectancy and quality-of-life (QoL) saving on productivity losses for both CML patients and their caregivers.
The Transfer Raj: Indian Civil Servants on the Move

Civil servants belonging to India's elite Indian Administrative Service (IAS) are subject to rapid transfers from their posts. This article begins by providing a brief overview of the civil services in India and asks what, if any, are the differences in stability of tenure of IAS officers serving at the Centre in comparison to those in the States. What are the main reasons behind rapid transfers? The high rate of IAS mobility could presumably also have adverse effects on the performance capabilities of development administration. The central question here is do rapid transfers of IAS officers affect administrative leadership and the implementation of development programmes in India? If so, how?
Microsimulation of Virtual Encounters: A New Methodology for the Analysis of Socio-Cultural Cleavages

This paper describes a new methodology for the analysis of socio-cultural conflicts in situations where actual conflict information is lacking, but survey data on socio-cultural opinions are available. The methodology is based on an innovative combination of three different approaches; Social network analysis, microsimulation, and inferential statistics. Virtual encounters within and across the borders of countries are simulated by randomly matching pairs of persons who answered the same interview questions in the European Values Study 1999/2000, but may be supposed to never have met in real life. The results of these encounters are stored as a new type of dyadic data record. Among other things, each of these dyadic records contains information about the degree of dissent between citizens with regard to various types of work-related values such as obedience to superiors, meritocratism, or work ethos. By aggregation of these simulated value conflicts it becomes possible to anticipate future conflicts within and between groups of natives and immigrants. If conflicts between natives and immigrants are stronger than the corresponding conflicts within each of the two groups, a cleavage situation i s predicted, which often results in a ghettoization of immigrated minorities. By focusing on certain categories of immigrants with similar socioeconomic status or age, the analysis can further be refined such that it may also be instrumental for conceptualizing new immigration policies. This is illustrated through an exploration of the potential consequences of Polish migration to Germany.
Determinants of Thrift Institution Resolution Costs

This paper provides a detailed examination of the cost imposed by thrift institutions resolved during the period 1980-88. A simple model is presented to explain the cost of resolution. This model is tested empirically with a comprehensive data set that permits us to avoid some of the econometric problems present in earlier studies. The empirical evidence suggests that the model that explains resolution costs in the late 1980s is significantly different from the model for either the middle or early 1980s. This evidence is consistent with the changing nature of the thrift crisis and changes in the regulator's closure rule. Our econometric evidence, moreover, is consistent with the hypothesis that, for troubled institutions, tangible net worth systematically understates market-value net worth. In addition, the importance of including time effects as well as institution effects as determinants of the cost of resolution is revealed. Copyright 1990 by American Finance Association.
Structural and functional cardiac adaptations to 6 months of football training in untrained hypertensive men

We investigated the effects of 3 and 6 months of regular football training on cardiac structure and function in hypertensive men. Thirty‐one untrained males with mild‐to‐moderate hypertension were randomized 2:1 to a football training group (n = 20) and a control group receiving traditional recommendations on healthy lifestyle (n = 11). Cardiac measures were evaluated by echocardiography. The football group exhibited significant (P < 0.05) changes in cardiac dimensions and function after just 3 months: Left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic volume increased from 104 ± 25 to 117 ± 29 mL. LV diastolic function improved measured as E/A ratio (1.15 ± 0.32 to 1.54 ± 0.38), early diastolic velocity, E′ (11.0 ± 2.5 to 11.9 ± 2.6 cm/s), and isovolumetric relaxation time (74 ± 13 to 62 ± 13 ms). LV systolic function improved measured as longitudinal displacement (10.7 ± 2.1 to 12.1 ± 2.3 mm). Right ventricular function improved with respect to tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (21.8 ± 3.2 to 24.5 ± 3.7 mm). Arterial blood pressure decreased in both groups, but significantly more in the football training group. No significant changes were observed in the control group. In conclusion, short‐term football training improves LV diastolic function in untrained men with mild‐to‐moderate arterial hypertension. Furthermore, it may improve longitudinal systolic function of both ventricles. The results suggest that football training has favorable effects on cardiac function in hypertensive men.