Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CD11a Is Essential for Normal Development of Hematopoietic Intermediates

The process of lymphopoiesis begins in the bone marrow (BM) and requires multiple cellular intermediates. For T cell production, lymphoid progenitors exit the BM and home to the thymus where maturation and selection ensue. These processes are dependent on a number of factors, including chemokines and adhesion molecules. Although the β2 integrin CD11a plays an important role in the migration of lymphocytes to lymph nodes, the role of CD11a in T cell development is largely undefined. Our studies now show that, in CD11a−/− mice, thymic cellularity was decreased and early T cell development was partially impaired. Remarkably, CD11a was critical for generation of common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) and lymphoid-primed multipotent progenitors. However, in intact CD11a−/− mice, peripheral B and T cell subsets were only modestly altered, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms were operating. In contrast, competitive BM-reconstitution assays revealed an essential role for CD11a in the generation of thymocytes and mature T and B cells. This defect was linked to the requirement for CD11a in the development of CLPs. Furthermore, our results identified CLPs, and not lymphoid-primed multipotent progenitors, as the requisite CD11a-dependent precursor for lymphocyte development. Thus, these findings established a key role for CD11a in lymphopoiesis.
An Econometric Analysis of the Determinants of Fertility for China, 1952–2000

This study investigates the determinants of the fertility rate in China over the 1952–2000 period. Consistent with theory, the key explanatory variables in our fertility model are real per capita income, infant mortality rate, female illiteracy and female labour force participation rates. The long-run results and the test for cointegration are based on the Johansen (1988) and Johansen & Juselius (1990) approach. Our long-run results conform to theory in that all variables appear with their expected signs, and the dummy variable used to capture the effects of the family planning policy indicates that in the years of the policy, fertility rates have been falling by around 10–12%. Our results suggest that socio-economic development – consistent with the traditional structural hypothesis – played a key role in China's fertility transition.
Two‐stage profit optimization model for linear scheduling problems considering cash flow

Linear projects with repetitive activity in units are considered for investigation, and a two‐stage profit optimization model for linear scheduling problems using constraint programming (CP) is proposed. To maintain work continuity for repetitive activities, interruption time and crew availability are addressed, and the optimization process is presented as follows: (1) optimizing the primary objective (project profit); (2) minimizing total interruption time, given the optimized value of the primary objective. Repetitive activities incur batches of budget expenditure according to activity implementation time. Cash flow and financial elements are therefore integrated into the optimization model. Owing to flexible CP techniques, contractors’ requirements, such as credit limit and payment conditions, can be integrated simply into the model formulation for practical use. Lastly, a bridge example is adopted, with various constraints such as duration limitation, for scenario analysis. Consequently, the two‐stage optimization process optimizes project profit, and also maximizes work continuity for linear scheduling problems.
Better-informed Workers and Retirement Savings Decisions: Impact Evaluation of a Personalized Pension Projection

In a defined contribution pension system based on individual accounts information is essential, as plan members are responsible for taking actions in order to avoid undesirable low levels of pension income during retirement. In this paper we use a unique natural experiment to analyze the impact of information on savings decisions. In 2005, Pension Fund Administrators started sending out a Personalized Pension Projection (PPP). The first sending included only individuals who contributed in a particular quarter of the year and some of them did not receive the statements due to problems with the accuracy of their current address. We use matching estimation techniques exploiting these sources of variation during the first year to identify the impact of information on savings decisions. Our results show that the new information provided caused an increase in the probability of making voluntary contributions for old age, of approximately 1.4 percentage points, for individuals in the 40-50 age group. The effect on a younger group was smaller, consistent with myopia or liquidity constraints explanations for the commonly observed fact that pension concerns only arise once individuals approach retirement age. The impact on women is significantly larger than that on men, potentially reflecting a higher sense of urgency. As expected, individuals exposed to a positive tax benefit when making voluntary contributions exhibit a significantly larger impact than tax exempt individuals. Contrary to what we expected, however, individuals with high projected replacement rate present a slightly higher impact than those with lower replacement rate. Overall, these results suggest that a simple improvement in the information provided in the pension system may have important effects on retirement decisions made by individuals.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Challenges and Recommendations of Literature Search in Information Systems Research

The “standing on the shoulders of giants” metaphor is often used to acknowledge the work of others when undertaking research and, in particular, stresses the importance of literature reviews in scientific inquiry. Though the significance of literature reviews has never been in doubt, researchers, especially novice researchers, still struggle with developing effective strategies for reviewing literature. An important reason for this difficulty is the rapidly increasing number of potentially relevant publications—not all of which necessarily add value to a literature review. As such, avoiding standing on the shoulders of dwarfs literature search emerges as a major issue in crafting an effective literature review. In this paper, we discuss challenges of literature searches in the increasingly dynamic context of information systems (IS) research and make recommendations for how to deal with them. We present practical guidelines and a checklist to help researchers with planning and organizing their literature searches.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Targets β2 Integrin Expression To Suppress Monocyte Adhesion

Chronic recruitment of monocytes and their subsequent migration through the activated endothelium contribute to atherosclerotic plaque development. Integrin-mediated leukocyte adhesion is central to this process. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has the unique property of inducing regression of pre-established murine atherosclerosis via modulation of monocyte/macrophage function. Understanding the mechanisms through which CLA mediates its atheroprotective effect may help to identify novel pathways that limit or reverse atherosclerosis. In this study, we identified a novel mechanism through which CLA alters monocyte function. We show that CLA inhibits human peripheral blood monocyte cell adhesion to activated endothelial cells via loss of CD18 expression, the β2 chain of LFA-1 and Mac-1 integrins. In addition, using a static-adhesion assay, we provide evidence that CLA prevents monocytes from binding to ICAM-1 and subsequently reduces the capacity of these cells to polarize. CXCL12–CXCR4 interactions induce a conformational change in β2 integrins, facilitating leukocyte adhesion. In this study, we demonstrate that CLA inhibits CXCR4 expression, resulting in a failure of monocytes to directionally migrate toward CXCL12. Finally, using intravital microscopy, we show that, during CLA-induced regression of pre-established atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice, there is reduced leukocyte adhesion and decreased CD18 expression on Gr1+/CD115+ proinflammatory monocytes. In summary, the data presented describe a novel functional role for CLA in the regulation of monocyte adhesion, polarization, and migration.
Beyond Firm and Industry Effects on Profitability in Imperfect Market s

The Federal Trade Commission's Line of Business data imply that the effect of an industry's seller concentration on profitability has been misinterpreted because it has not been conditioned on capital intensity. Conclusions that market share rather than seller concentration is the primary structural determinant of profitability, and that mutual dependence recognized among oligopolistic sellers is less important than superiority effects of large-share firms, appear unwarranted. Significant firm effects exist, and explanatory power for a conventional model of structure and performance is found to be small relative to that of the general linear model within which the conventional model is nested.
Bacterial attachment and removal properties of silicon- and nitrogen-doped diamond-like carbon coatings

Si- and N-doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings with various Si and N contents were deposited on glass slides using magnetron sputter ion-plating and plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition. Surface energy analysis of the DLC coatings revealed that with increasing Si content, the electron acceptor value decreased while the electron donor value increased. The antifouling property of DLC coatings was evaluated with the bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, which is one of the most common microorganisms forming biofilms on the surface of heat exchangers in cooling water systems. P. fluorescens had a high value of the component (69.78 mN m−1) and a low value of the component (5.97 mN m−1), and would be negatively charged with the zeta potential of −16.1 mV. The experimental results showed that bacterial removal by a standardised washing procedure increased significantly with increasing electron donor values and with decreasing electron acceptor values of DLC coatings. The incorporation of 2%N into the Si-doped DLC coatings further significantly reduced bacterial attachment and significantly increased ease of removal. The best Si–N-doped DLC coatings reduced bacterial attachment by 58% and increased removal by 41%, compared with a silicone coating, Silastic® T2. Bacterial adhesion strength on the DLC coatings is explained in terms of thermodynamic work of adhesion.
Dose-dependent effect of Curcuma longa for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Curcuma longa is a plant that belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It has been used in Siddha medicine for thousands of years in Asia. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects the motor system of the brain. Death of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra leads to PD. Exposure to salsolinol, which is an endogenous neurotoxin, has been associated with damage to dopamine-producing cells. The present study assessed the toxicity of salsolinol in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and subsequently investigated the neuroprotective potential of C. longa extract in salsolinol-induced toxic conditions in SH-SY5Y cells. Sulphorhodamine-B assay showed the protective effect of the anti-apoptotic effect of treated SH-SY5Y cells. Fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscope analysis indicated the anti-apoptotic impact of the C. longa extract. Mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species were reduced in C. longa extract-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Downregulated mRNA expression levels of p53, Bcl-2-associated X protein and caspase 3 were observed in the C. longa extract-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Caspase 3 activity was reduced in the C. longa extract-treated SH-SY5Y cells. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrated that solsolinol is neurotoxic to SH-SY5Y cells, and C. longa extract may be useful in the treatment of PD.
Tests and Properties of Variance Ratios in Microstructure Studies

Abstract The properties of variance ratio tests across trading and non-trading periods are examined using the generalized method of moments. For the case of opening and closing return variances, the joint tests indicate that the null hypothesis that the variance of opening returns equals the variance of closing returns cannot be rejected for a sample of New York Stock Exchange stocks. This example demonstrates the importance of accounting for overlapping observations and cross correlation in such frameworks. The conventional average (across assets) variance ratio test is shown to be biased against the null in small samples. Specifically, when non-zero correlations are ignored, previous tests have the wrong asymptotic size. This bias persists in other frameworks as well: although this study confirms earlier findings that the return variance during non-trading periods is significantly lower than during trading periods, test statistics that ignore correlations are shown to be inflated.
Influencing Adolescent Leisure Motivation: Intervention Effects of Health Wise South Africa

Abstract This study investigates changes in self-reported motivation for leisure due to participation in Health Wise, a high school curriculum aimed at decreasing risk behavior and promoting health behavior. Participants were 2,193 mixed race adolescents (M = 14 years old) from 9 schools (4 intervention, 5 control) near Cape Town, South Africa. Students in the Health Wise school with the greatest involvement in teacher training and implementation fidelity reported increased intrinsic and identified motivation and decreased introjected motivation and amotivation compared to students in control schools. These results point to the potential for intervention programming to influence leisure motivation among adolescents in South Africa and represent a first step toward identifying leisure motivation as a mediator of program effects.
Structure and organization of the hisA gene of the thermophilic archaebacterium Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus

A restriction fragment of Methanococcus thermolithotrophicus genomic DNA was cloned into pUC8 to produce plasmid pET9301, which complements mutations in the hisA gene of Escherichia coli. Sequencing the DNA (2,155 base pairs) cloned from this thermophilic methanogen demonstrated that the M. thermolithotrophicus hisA gene is located within a cluster of open reading frames (ORFs) and is 68 and 69% homologous at the nucleotide level to the hisA genes of the mesophilic methanococci M. voltae and M. vannielii, respectively. The ORF (ORF 206) immediately 5' to the hisA gene of M. thermolithotrophicus is partially deleted in the genomes of the two mesophilic species, whereas ORF 114, which is 5' to ORF 206, is conserved in all three species.
De-constructing the sustainability challenge for engineering education- An industrial ecology approach

Engineering for sustainable development (ESD) involves engineering decision making that provides for todays production and consumption without endangering the natural resource base on which all of life ultimately depends. Curtin University's Faculty of Engineering in Perth, Western Australia, has long held the belief that engineering education holds one of the main keys to improving sustainable development outcomes across the modern world and to this end has invested in the development of outreach programmes, undergraduate and post-graduate education and the promotion of education leadership in engineering education for sustainable development. These programmes have been both facilitated and developed by the Sustainable Engineering Group in the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at Curtin University. De-constructing the sustainable engineering education challenge has involved programmes that start from the first interface with potential young engineers in secondary high schools and continues through to post-graduate education for practicing engineers.
The history of technological anxiety and the future of economic growth: Is this time different?

Technology is widely considered the main source of economic progress, but it has also generated cultural anxiety throughout history. The developed world is now suffering from another bout of such angst. Anxieties over technology can take on several forms, and we focus on three of the most prominent concerns. First, there is the concern that technological progress will cause widespread substitution of machines for labor, which in turn could lead to technological unemployment and a further increase in inequality in the short run, even if the long-run effects are beneficial. Second, there has been anxiety over the moral implications of technological process for human welfare, broadly defined. While, during the Industrial Revolution, the worry was about the dehumanizing effects of work, in modern times, perhaps the greater fear is a world where the elimination of work itself is the source of dehumanization. A third concern cuts in the opposite direction, suggesting that the epoch of major technological progress is behind us. Understanding the history of technological anxiety provides perspective on whether this time is truly different. We consider the role of these three anxieties among economists, primarily focusing on the historical period from the late 18th to the early 20th century, and then compare the historical and current manifestations of these three concerns.
Selective oxidation of methyl alpha-D-glucoside on carbon supported platinum II. Assessment of the Arrhenius and Langmuir parameters

In order to estimate the Arrhenius and Langmuir parameters of the selective oxidation of methyl (Yn-glucoside on a platinum catalyst, the temperature was varied from 293 to 333 K. The initial reaction kinetics can be described adequately over this temperature range by a Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate equation which is based on two parallel reaction paths: one involving adsorbed methyl cr-D-glucoside and dominating at low pH, the other involving the adsorbed methyl cr-n-glucoside anion and dominating at high pH. Both reaction paths contain a rate-determining step consisting of a surface reaction involving the corresponding methyl cr-n-glucoside species and chemisorbed oxygen. The apparent activation energies amount to 50.5 f 6.4 kJ mol-’ and 110.5 t 10.6 kJ mol-‘. The assessment of the Arrhenius parameter estimates within the framework of the transition state theory showed that these rate-determining steps lead to physically meaningful estimates. Langmuir adsorption coefficients account for the reversible dissociative chemisorption of oxygen and for the reversible associative adsorption of methyl o! -n-glucoside and methyl Lu-n-glucoside anion. A standard adsorption enthalpy for oxygen of 60.0 + 10.5 kJ mol-‘, for methyl a-D-glucoside of 17.6? 8.3 kJ mol-’ and for the methyl ol-n-glucoside anion of 61 f 54 kJ mol-’ were estimated. During the oxidation at a pH of eight oxygen adatoms are the most abundant surface species, followed by adsorbed methyl cy-D-glucoside. With increasing temperature the degree of oxygen coverage decreases from 0.8 to 0.6, while the degree of coverage with methyl a-Dglucoside increases from 0.08 to 0.13. At a pH of 10 the surface coverage with oxygen decreases from 0.6 at 293 K to 0.5 at 333 K and the surface coverage with methyl cy-D-glucoside anion from 0.5 to 0.3.
An Explicit Formula for Option Pricing in Discrete Incomplete Markets

Some aspects of the pricing of European call option are disscussed. We consider the simplest case of an incomplete market in the situation when the model of the market is discrete and increments of shares prices have a multinomial distribution. We look for similarities between this model and the model of Cox, Ross and Rubinstein. In particular we consider the possibility of using induction backwards and we look for an optimal price and strategy using the method of risk-minimization step by step from the date of realizationTto 0.
Quantitative microscopy of fluorescent adenovirus entry.

Fluorescence imaging of cells is a powerful tool for exploring the dynamics of organelles, proteins, and viruses. Fluorescent adenoviruses are a model system for cargo transport from the cell surface to the nucleus. Here, we describe a procedure to quantitate adenovirus-associated fluorescence in different subcellular regions. CCD camera-captured fluorescence sections across entire cells were deblurred by a fast Fourier transformation, the background was subtracted images merged, and virus fluorescence quantitated. The validity of the deblurring routine was verified by confocal laser scanning microscopy, demonstrating that objects were neither generated nor deleted. Instead, the homogeneity of both the average intensity and the size of fluorescent particles was increased, facilitating automated quantification. We found that nuclear fluorescence of wt adenovirus, but not of a virus mutant ts1, which fails to escape from endosomes, was maximal at 90 min postinfection (p.i.). Surprisingly, nuclear fluorescence decreased at 120 min, but increased again at 240 min p.i. , suggesting that wt virus targeting to the nucleus may be multiphasic and regulated. Interestingly, only the first nuclear transport period of wt but not ts1 virus coincided with a significant increase of the peripheral and decrease of the cytoplasmic regions, indicative of signal-dependent cell contraction.
Comparisons of a neural network and a nearest-neighbor classifier via the numeric handprint recognition problem

A comparison is made of two techniques for recognizing numeric handprint characters using a variety of features including 2D fast Fourier transform coefficients, geometrical moments, and topological features. A backpropagation network and a nearest neighbor classifier are evaluated in terms of recognition performance and computational requirements. The results indicate that for complex problems, the neural network performs comparably to the nearest-neighbor classifier while being significantly more cost effective.
2,6-Dichlorophenyl 4-chlorobenzoate

In the title compound, C13H7Cl3O2, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 82.1 (2)°. The dihedral angle between the CO2 group and its carbon-bonded ring is 14.50 (19)° In the crystal, aromatic π–π stacking interactions [minimum ring centroid separation = 3.604 (2) Å] occur.
Deletion of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110γ gene attenuates murine atherosclerosis

Inflammatory cell activation by chemokines requires intracellular signaling through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) and the PI3-kinase-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase Akt. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process driven by oxidatively modified (atherogenic) lipoproteins, chemokines, and other agonists that activate PI3-kinase. Here we show that macrophage PI3-kinase/Akt is activated by oxidized low-density lipoprotein, inflammatory chemokines, and angiotensin II. This activation is markedly reduced or absent in macrophages lacking p110γ, the catalytic subunit of class Ib PI3-kinase. We further demonstrate activation of macrophage/foam cell PI3-kinase/Akt in atherosclerotic plaques from apolipoprotein E (apoE)-null mice, which manifest an aggressive form of atherosclerosis, whereas activation of PI3-kinase/Akt was undetectable in lesions from apoE-null mice lacking p110γ despite the presence of class Ia PI3-kinase. Moreover, plaques were significantly smaller in apoE−/−p110γ−/− mice than in apoE−/−p110γ+/+ or apoE−/−p110γ+/−mice at all ages studied. In marked contrast to the embryonic lethality seen in mice lacking class Ia PI3-kinase, germ-line deletion of p110γ results in mice that exhibit normal viability, longevity, and fertility, with relatively well tolerated defects in innate immune and inflammatory responses that may play a role in diseases such as atherosclerosis and multiple sclerosis. Our results not only shed mechanistic light on inflammatory signaling during atherogenesis, but further identify p110γ as a possible target for pharmacological intervention in the primary and secondary prevention of human atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.