Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor and FLT3 ligand on dendritic cell generation in vivo.

The cytokine FLT3 ligand (FL) enhances dendritic cell (DC) generation and has therefore been proposed as a means to boost antitumor immunity. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is produced by a large percentage of tumors and is required for development of tumor neovasculature. We previously showed that VEGF decreases DC production and function in vivo. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that VEGF regulates FL effects on DC generation. In seven experiments, four groups of mice were treated with PBS, VEGF alone (100 ng/h), FL alone (10 microgram/day), or with the combination of FL and VEGF. VEGF and PBS were administered continuously for 14 days via s.c. pumps. FL was given s.c. daily for 9 days, beginning on day 4. Tissues were collected and the number, phenotype, and function of lymph node, splenic, and thymic DCs were analyzed on day 14. As expected, treatment with FL resulted in a marked increase in the number of lymph node and spleen DCs and a smaller increase in thymic DC. Pretreatment of mice with VEGF inhibited these FL effects in lymph nodes and thymus by about 50%, whereas spleen DC numbers were undiminished by VEGF. VEGF treatment in vivo also inhibited the ability of FL to increase the number of hemopoietic precursor cells and the level of maturity exhibited by DC derived from these hemopoietic precursor cells in vitro. VEGF inhibited FL-inducible activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB. These data suggest that VEGF interferes with the ability of FL to promote dendritic cell differentiation from bone marrow progenitor cells in mice and therefore may decrease the therapeutic efficacy of FL in settings where increased numbers of DCs might provide clinical benefits.
RETHINKING OPTIMAL EXCHANGE RATE REGIMES WITH FRICTIONAL LABOR MARKETS

Currency fluctuations are an important determinant of labor market dynamics. Vice versa, relative labor costs affect real exchange rate dynamics. The optimal choice of exchange rate regimes cannot neglect this nexus. We assess such a choice using a two-country model with frictional labor markets. The monetary authority faces a tension between the classical insulating property of floating exchange rates and the destabilizing effects of currency fluctuations on (relative) job flows. Results show that the second motive is important: optimal monetary policy prescribes (some) response to the exchange rate. We also reexamine the conditions for optimal policy in a currency area whose members experience asymmetries in labor market institutions.
Time-Inconsistency of VaR and Time-Consistent Alternatives

We show that VaR (Value-at-Risk) is not time-consistent and discuss examples where this can lead to dynamically inconsistent behavior. Then we propose two time-consistent alternatives to VaR. The first one is a composition of one-period VaR's. It is time-consistent but not coherent. The second one is a composition of average VaR's. It is a time-consistent coherent risk measure.
University Spin-offs in Sweden: A Longitudinal Study

There have been few studies on the long-term performance of university spin-offs (USOs). This paper builds on previous empirical research into the performance of USOs and on the resource-based model of USOs. Several research issues are addressed including, in particular, the long-term performance of Swedish USOs, the distribution of the main types of business, the extent to which USOs have been in contact with support organizations, and by how much the potential growth of USOs has been achieved by the dissemination of technological knowledge to other businesses through patents, licences and other activities of the founder of the USO. The results of studies of 25 Swedish USOs, all started between 1962 and 1990 and with a median age of 25 years, confirm previous research on USOs which experienced limited growth. The analysis indicates that most of the USOs usually operate as ‘simple’ types of business, such as consultancy services; and that 60% have been in contact with support organizations.
A Monetary Analysis of Balance Sheet Policies

We augment a standard macroeconomic model to analyze the effects and limitations of balance sheet policies. We show that the central bank can stimulate real activity by changing the size or the composition of its balance sheet, when interest rate policy is ineffective. Specifically, the central bank can stabilize the economy by increasing money supply against eligible assets even when the policy rate is at the zero lower bound. By changing the composition of its balance sheet, it can affect interest rates and, for example, neutralize increases in firms' borrowing costs, which is not possible under a single instrument regime. We further analyze the limitations of balance sheet policies and show that they are particularly useful under liquidity demand shocks.
Characterizing human perceptual inefficiencies with equivalent internal noise.

A widely used method for characterizing and comparing inefficiencies in perceptual processes is the method of equivalent internal noise--the amount of random internal noise necessary to produce the degree of inefficiency exhibited by the perceptual system in processing [J. Opt. Soc. Am. 46, 634 (1956)]. One normally estimates the amount of equivalent internal noise by systematically increasing the amount of external noise added to the signal stimulus and observing how threshold--signal stimulus energy required for an observer to maintain a given performance level--depends on the amount of external noise. In a variety of perceptual tasks, a simple noisy linear amplifier model [D. Pelli, Ph.D. dissertation (University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK 1981)] has been utilized to estimate the equivalent internal noise Ninternal by fitting of the relation between threshold contrast c tau and external noise N(ext) at a single (d') performance level: c tau 2 =(d'/beta)2(N(ext)2 + Ninternal2). This model makes a strong prediction: Independent of observer and external noise contrast, the ratio between two thresholds at each external noise level is equal to the ratio of the two corresponding d' values. To our knowledge, this potential test for the internal consistency of the model had never been examined previously. In this study we estimated threshold ratios between multiple performance levels at various external noise contrasts in two different experiments: Gabor orientation identification, and Gabor detection. We found that, in both identification and detection, the observed threshold ratios between different performance levels departed substantially from the d' ratio predicted by the simple noisy linear amplifier model. An elaborated perceptual template model [Vision Res. 38, 1183 (1998)] with nonlinear transducer functions and multiplicative noise in addition to the additive noise in the simple linear amplifier model leads to a substantially better description of the data and suggests a reinterpretation of earlier results that relied on the simple noisy linear amplifier model. The relationship of our model and method to other recent parallel and independent developments [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 14, 2406 (1997)] is discussed.
The Effects of Opioid Peptides on Dopamine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens: An In Vivo Microdialysis Study

Abstract: An involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system in mediating the motivational effects of opioids has been suggested. Accordingly, the present study employed the technique of in vivo microdialysis to examine the effects of selective μ‐, δ‐, and k‐ opioids on DA release in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) of anesthetized rats. Microdialysis probes were inserted into the NAC and perfusates were analyzed for DA and its metabolites, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DO‐PAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), using a reverse‐phase HPLC system with electrochemical detection for separation and quantification. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of selective μ‐opioid [D‐Ala2, N‐methyl‐Phe4, Gly5‐ol]‐enkephalin (DAMGO) or δ‐opioid [d‐Pen2, d‐Pen5]‐en‐kephalin (DPDPE) agonists, at doses that function as positive reinforcers in rats, resulted in an immediate and significant increase in extracellular DA. DOPAC and HVA levels were also significantly increased. The effects of DAMGO were blocked by the selective μ‐antagonist d‐Pen‐Cys‐Tyr‐d‐Trp‐Orn‐Thr‐Pen‐Thr‐NH2 (CTOP) whereas those of DPDPE were blocked by the δ‐antagonist allyl2‐Tyr‐Aib‐Aib‐Phe‐Leu‐OH (ICI 174,864). In contrast to μ‐ and δ‐agonists, the k‐agonist N‐CH3‐Tyr‐Gly‐Gly‐Phe‐Leu‐Arg‐N‐CH3‐Arg‐d‐Leu‐NHC2H5 (E‐2078). a dynorphin analog that produces aversive states, decreased DA release in a biphasic manner. Norbin‐altorphimine, a selective k‐antagonist, could block this effect. These results demonstrate that μ‐, δ‐, and k‐opioid agonists differentially affect DA release in the NAC and this action is centrally mediated.
Overexpression Inhibits Ligand-Induced Down-regulation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

Ligand-induced receptor down-regulation by endocytosis is a critical process regulating the intensity and duration of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Ubiquitylation of specific receptor tyrosine kinases, for example, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by the E3 ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl, provides a sorting signal for lysosomal degradation and leads to termination of receptor signaling. Cortactin, which couples the endocytic machinery to dynamic actin networks, is encoded by EMS1 , a gene commonly amplified in breast and head and neck cancers. One mechanism whereby cortactin overexpression contributes to tumor progression is by enhancing tumor cell invasion and metastasis. However, in this study, we show that overexpression of cortactin in HeLa cells markedly inhibits ligand-induced down-regulation of the EGFR. This is independent of alterations in receptor autophosphorylation and correlates with impaired c-Cbl phosphorylation and association with the EGFR, reduced EGFR ubiquitylation, and sustained EGF-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation. Furthermore, analysis of a panel of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines revealed that cortactin overexpression is associated with attenuated ligand-induced EGFR down-regulation. Importantly, RNAi-mediated reduction of cortactin expression in an 11q13-amplified HNSCC cell line accelerates EGFR degradation. This represents the first demonstration of modulation of growth factor receptor signaling by cortactin. Moreover, enhanced EGFR signaling due to cortactin overexpression may provide an alternative explanation for EMS1 gene amplification in human cancers. (Cancer Res 2005; 65(8): 3273-80)
Learning under pressure: learning strategies, workplace climate, and leadership style in the hospitality industry

In this study we explored the relationship among learning strategies, leadership style, and work environment for middle managers in the hospitality industry. We found an association between learning strategy and workplace climate; we also found an association with leadership style, but to a lesser extent. In the hospitality industry, a deep learning strategy was linked to a heavy workload, while surface (disorganised) learning strategies were associated with a transactional (reward oriented) leadership style. These somewhat surprising findings suggest the need for further research into the conditions under which workload and leadership style can enhance a (deep) strategy to learning.
Taiwan's Hotel Rating System

This study applies content analysis to compare four hotel rating systems, in the United Kingdom, United States, China, and Taiwan as well as to compare the evaluating methods and service-quality measurement of the four hotel rating systems. Focusing on Taiwan's newly revised hotel-evaluation schema, the study analyzes the Criteria of Hotel Service Quality Evaluation established by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in the light of the five SERVQUAL dimensions. Though Taiwan's hotel rating system is strong on assurance and tangibles, the study suggests that the system would be made more effective by adding factors for reliability, responsiveness, and empathy. Surveys should also be conducted on an ongoing basis to clarify and incorporate consumer viewpoints and to keep hotel rating systems updated. These measures would also increase acceptance and recognition of the hotel rating system by consumers.
Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery 2009: what is the future for the gastroenterologist?

Purpose of review In order to predict whether the gastroenterologist will have a role in the rapidly developing field of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), it is helpful to examine the new developments in this field. Our goal in this review is to examine the recent developments in the field and study the gastroenterologists' role to best make this prediction. Recent findings Perhaps the most significant development in the field of NOTES has been the favorable patient and physician preferences for NOTES. There is evidence that patients would prefer NOTES cholecystectomy to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The most common reason for this choice appears to be the lack of pain and visible scar. Another very significant development has been the reality of human NOTES procedures. Multiple centers have reported human NOTES procedures, including transgastric appendectomies, transgastric liver biopsies, transgastric tubal ligation and transvaginal cholecystectomy without major complications. Gastroenterologists' expertise with flexible endoscope was critical in the above cases. Recently, a few publications have also shown how gastroenterologists with expertise in endosonography can have a role in affirming safe access. Summary Although no one can predict with certainty where the field of NOTES will be in 1 year, it seems likely that gastroenterologist involvement will be necessary and advancements in this field will be applicable and diffuse into our daily practice.
Does Ownership Matter Under Challenging Conditions?: On the relationship between organizational entrepreneurship and performance in the healthcare sector

Abstract This research explores how organizational entrepreneurship (proactiveness, innovativeness and risk-taking) in the health care sector affects hospital performance. We thereby consider heterogeneity in ownership and environmental conditions. To empirically investigate the relationships proposed by theory, a nation-wide survey was conducted generating a sample of 152 hospitals. Results show that organizational entrepreneurship is positively related to hospital performance. Furthermore, it is significantly influenced by both ownership and environment, whereas the entrepreneurship-performance link is independent of any environmental conditions. Our study creates important insight into ownership-related differences of entrepreneurship and gives strong arguments for an entrepreneurial behaviour of hospitals.
Prevention of childhood obesity: issues on the evaluation of interventions

Two complementary studies by Evans et al reported in this issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health deal with the quality of packed lunches provided by families to UK schoolchildren. The first surveyed the type of foods and nutrient content of packed lunches, finding that they largely fall behind the standards issued by the UK government for the meals to be served by schools.1 The second evaluated through a well-designed cluster randomised controlled trial the effectiveness of an educational intervention (SMART Lunch Box) to improve the quality of packed meals.2 Ultimately, the survey and subsequent proposed intervention aimed at preventing overweight and its adverse health consequences: an issue that has acquired prominence at the light of the twofold to threefold increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight reported in industrialised and even developing countries over the past three decades.3 Although the most recent reports seem to indicate that a …
Cutting Edge: The RIG-I Ligand 3pRNA Potently Improves CTL Cross-Priming and Facilitates Antiviral Vaccination

Protective immunity against intracellular pathogens involves the induction of robust CTL responses. Vaccination with protein Ags establishes such responses only when combined with immune-stimulatory adjuvants. In this study, we compared different adjuvants and identified triphosphate RNA (3pRNA) as especially effective at inducing CTL responses. 3pRNA sensing required IPS-1/MAVS signaling and induced type I IFN in plasmacytoid dendritic cells and macrophages, with the latter being more important for the adjuvant effect. Type I IFN acted on CD11c+ cells, especially on CD8α+ Batf3-dependent dendritic cells. Vaccination with OVA in combination with 3pRNA protected mice from a subsequent OVA-encoding adenovirus infection in a CD8+ cell–dependent manner and more efficiently than other adjuvants. In summary, 3pRNA is a superior adjuvant for CTL activation and might be useful to facilitate antiviral immunization strategies.
The influence of trade integration on Danish industrial dynamics

Denmark has shown disappointing levels of productivity growth in recent years which has been a point of concern for the OECD and the Danish Economic Council. Industrial dynamics has been proven to be essential for productivity and economic growth. It is therefore important to understand the factors determining firm entry and exit. This thesis has examined the effects of trade on entry and exit on industryand firm-level respectively. I have chosen to include both sides of industrial dynamics in order to give a comprehensive picture of the impacts of trade integration. The analysis is conducted for Danish manufacturing industries over the period 2001-2009 using different estimation techniques. The evidence suggests that export has a negative effect on entry, while import has a positive effect on firm exit. Furthermore, import from low-wage countries is found to have a larger displacement effect on exit than import from high-wage countries. Trade exposure increases competition which results in stronger market selection forcing the least productive firms to exit. These findings have implications for public policy which should foster entrepreneurship by improving the entrepreneurial capabilities to enable firms to seize the opportunities of trade integration. List of abbreviations APE Average partial effect APG Aggregate productivity growth BLUE Best linear unbiased estimator CLM Classical linear model CPC Central product classification of the UN CVR Det centrale virksomhedsregister (Central Business Register) DB03 Dansk Branchekode 2003 DB07 Dansk Branchekode 2007 DPTO Danish Patent and Trademark Office DST Danmarks Statistik (Statistics Denmark) EODB Ease of Doing Business (index)
An Empirical Assessment Of Different Risk Measures For Stocks Traded On The Ase

This paper examines three different measures of risk, the standard deviation, the correlation coefficient and the beta coefficient. The measures are compared with each other in relation to the way with which they estimate the risk, using the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The results show that the risk is valued differently in every case. The same rank correlation coefficient is being used to form portfolios with relative stable beta coefficients in order to minimize the variation of the associated risk. The results showed that a relationship exists to beta coefficients between stocks that can give useful information about the portfolio diversification, as it is possible for portfolios with relative constant coefficients and higher returns in relation to risk they undertake to be formed.
A model of the Spanish housing market

The Spanish housing boom of the early 2000s has raised enormous attention at an international level. To better understand what is happening in the housing market, the current Spanish boom needs to be put into context. Housing demand, the motor of the boom, was triggered by population growth, employment generation, increase of per capita income, and favorable financial conditions. Supply has reacted in a very flexible manner and 2006 witnessed historic levels in residential construction. Yet this boom seemed to be coming finally to an end in 2007, mainly driven by mortgage rate increases. The aim of this paper is threefold: (1) to identify the determinants of the rise of house prices in the last decade, (2) to discuss the likely future of the housing market, and (3) to build an econometric model of the Spanish housing market.
Commercializing Open Science: Deep Space Communications as the Lead Market for Shannon Theory, 196073

Recent research on the commercialization of scientific discoveries has emphasized the use of formal intellectual property rights (notably patents) as a mechanism for aligning the academic and entrepreneurial incentives for commercialization. Without such explicit intellectual property rights and licensing, how is such open science commercialized? This paper examines the commercialization of Claude Shannon's theory of communications, developed at and freely disseminated by Bell Telephone Laboratories. It analyses the first 25 years of Shannon theory, the role of MIT in developing and extending that theory, and the importance of deep space communications as the initial market for commercialization. It contrasts the early paths of two MIT-related spinoffs that pursued this opportunity, including key technical and business trajectories driven by information theory. Based on this evidence, the paper provides observations about commercializing open science, particularly for engineering-related fields.
Structural and vibrational studies on composites polymer electrolytes (PEO)10CF3COONa + x wt.% Al2O3

Composites formed by combinations of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and sodium trifluoroacetate (CF3COONa) with different aluminum oxide (Al2O3) concentrations were synthetized. Infrared (IR), Raman spectroscopy, X ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses, were performed to characterize the composites. Changes on the XRD intensity peaks, and variations in intensity and position of some peaks in Raman and IR spectroscopy were observed for different concentrations of added Al2O3. The decrease in the XRD peaks of the PEO when it is combined with the salt, revealed that crystallinity in polymer was reduced, being lower when the alumina is added. The increase in roughness root medium square (RRMS) observed by AFM when Al2O3 was added, agree with reduction in crystallinity observed with XRD studies. Changes in the structure of PEO showed in the absorption lines IR and Raman, due to addition of CF3COONa salt and Al2O3 filler, have been attributed to the interactions between the electrolyte and the filler.
International Variation in Return on Equity in the Food and Beverage Industries

Abstract The objective is to analyze the effects of country- and firm-specific factors on the return on equity in the beverage and tobacco and food and consumer-products industries for 11 industrialized nations. The results indicate that country- and firm-specific factors are important in explaining variation in return on equity within countries but not generally across countries or time.