Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tumor-Associated and Tumor-Free Anti-Inflammatory Agent Indomethacin in Suppressor Cells to the Nonsteroidal Differential Response of Myeloid-Derived

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are key regulatory cells that control inﬂammation and promote tumor-immune escape. To date, no speciﬁc immunomodulatory drug has proven efﬁcacy in targeting the expansion and/or function of these cells in different pathophysiologic settings. In this study, we identiﬁed a context-dependent effect of the nonsteroidal anti-inﬂammatory drug indomethacin (IND) on MDSCs, depending on whether they were derived from tumor microenvironments (TME) or from tumor-free microenvironments (TFME). Treatment of mice bearing the LP07 lung adenocarcinoma with IND inhibited the suppressive activity of splenic MDSCs, which restrained tumor growth through mechanisms involving CD8 + T cells. The same effect was observed when MDSCs were treated with IND and conditioned media from LP07 tumor cells in vitro. However, in the absence of a tumor context, IND enhanced the intrinsic suppressive function of MDSCs and ampliﬁed their protumoral activity. In a model of autoimmune neuroinﬂammation, IND-treated MDSCs differentiated in TFME attenuated inﬂammation, whereas IND-treated MDSCs differentiated in TME aggravated clinical symptoms and delayed resolution of the disease. Mechanistically, IND reduced arginase activity as well as NO and reactive oxygen species production in MDSCs differentiated in TME but not in TFME. Moreover, expression of the C/EBP- b transcription factor isoforms correlated with the suppressive activity of IND-treated MDSCs. Our study unveils the dual and context-dependent action of IND, a drug that serves both as an anti-inﬂammatory and anticancer agent, which differentially affects MDSC activity whether these cells are derived from TME or TFME. These results have broad clinical implication in cancer, chronic inﬂammation and autoimmunity. The Journal of Immunology , 2015, 194: 000–000. isoforms, increased NO and ROS production, and higher ARG activity. This inhibitory microenvironment impairs antitumor immunity. Under these conditions, IND counteracts the suppressive pathways used by MDSCs and increases Gr1 expression. This effect contributes to unleash an otherwise repressed antitumor response.
The impact of stock incremental information on the volatility of the Athens stock exchange

In this paper we model the volatility of the Athens Stock Exchange general index. With the use of alternative conditional heteroskedasticity models (Glonsten et al., 1993; Bollerslev, 1986; Zakoian, 1991) we investigate whether stock returns include incremental information when we model index volatility. Whereas empirically much is known about the volatility of the Athens General Index, very little has been done on the impact the stock increments have on the General Index volatility. Our econometric approach relies on the comparison between TARCH and modified GARCH estimation techniques, on a sample of 48 shares included in the Athens General Index, using daily data over the period 1993–2003. After capturing for any possible qualitative effects, such as the cut-off points indicating a “bearish” or “bullish” capital market, the results clearly indicate that the shares include incremental volatility information in their returns.1 1 An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 2nd Meeting of the Hellenic Finance and Accounting Association, as well as at seminars at Athens University of Economics and Business and University of Crete and thanks are due to seminar participants for numerous helpful comments. We also thank without implicating George Kouretas, Dan Busca and Ionut Dumitru for many helpful comments and discussions.
MEASURING THE EFFECT OF NAPSTER ON RECORDED MUSIC SALES: DIFFERENCE‐IN‐DIFFERENCES ESTIMATES UNDER COMPOSITIONAL CHANGES

SUMMARY This paper measures the effect of Napster on record sales. I treat the introduction of Napster as a technological event that only Internet users experienced, and use a difference-in-differences (DD) approach. Because of potential compositional changes in Internet users, I examine identifying assumptions for the DD estimator under compositional changes and develop a test for identifying restrictions. To address potential bias due to compositional changes, I extend DD matching estimators to the case of two-variate propensity scores. I find evidence suggesting that file sharing is likely to explain 20% of total sales decline, which is driven by households with children aged 6–17. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do Low-Skilled Migrants Contribute More to Home Country Income? Evidence from South Asia

Abstract A recursive system is employed to investigate the indirect effect of out-migration on gross domestic product (GDP) through remittances in South Asia, namely Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Out-migration is further disaggregated by skill level and country of destination (Middle East and other), and their effects on GDP through remittances are examined. The results suggest that migration and remittances have an important significant effect on the GDP of the countries under study. Of the skill categories, the unskilled category has the largest robust indirect effect on GDP. The effects of migration on GDP by country of destination suggest that migration to the Middle East has a robust and significant impact on GDP. There is some evidence of a combination between the altruistic and self-interested motives of migrants’ to remit.
Using mobile devices and apps to support reflective learning about older people with dementia

There has been little research to develop computing technologies to support the care of people with dementia, in spite of the growing challenges that the condition poses for society. To design such technologies, an existing model of computer-support reflective learning was instantiated with findings from a pre-design study in one residential home. The result was a mobile device running an adapted enterprise social media app to support person-centred care. Evaluations of the device and app in two residential homes revealed that use of the app both motivated and increased different styles of care note recording, but little reflective learning was identified or reported. The results suggest the need for more comprehensive and flexible computer-based support for reflective learning about residents in their care – and new designs of this more comprehensive support are also introduced.
The Relative Impact of Inheritance and Other Factors on Economic Inequality

An empirically grounded micro-simulation of saving, with bequests related negatively either in total to average children's income or separately to individual children's incomes, is constructed for a single generation in a steady growth economy. Behavioral parameters are set so that predicted bequests to the next generation are consistent with both the scale and assignment of inheritances (taken from a real-world source) for the simulation generation. The relative impact of inheritance and other factors on different aspects of economic inequality is assessed. While inheritance is a major cause of wealth inequality, its influence on annual income and lifetime resources is small, and in the latter case ambiguous. â€¦ Inheritance perpetuates and may intensify inequalities arising originally from other causes. In that sense, it is a secondary cause of inequality; but that is not, of course, to say that it is of secondary importance. The extent of its influence on distribution remains an open question, which cannot be decided merely by theoretical reasoning â€¦ but requires in addition something in the nature of a quantitative analysis of the relevant facts. -Wedgwood, 1929, pp. 60â€“61.
Standardization of anal sphincter electromyography: Quantification of continuous activity during relaxation

Sphincter motor units (MUs) are continuously firing during relaxation. The quantification of this activity is a potentially useful electromyographic (EMG) parameter related to the number of MUs innervating the muscle and the level of motor neuron excitation. The aim of the present study was to develop a reliable, quantitative measure of continuous sphincter muscle activity during relaxation.
Reform in the commercial banking sector

The problems, which the banking system of Serbia and Montenegro is facing today, have for the most part been inherited from the past. The reform process, has started at the end 2001, and produced its first positive results: the insolvent banks have been closed down, foreign banks have entered the market, savings began to increase, consumer and housing credits have been granted after more than a decade and prudential control and business accountability have been increased. The results achieved thus far are encouraging; however, a number of problems pertain: excessive interest rates, insufficient credit supply, low level of savings, high financial service costs….
PROSPECTIVE LEADERS' VIEW ON ROMANIAN SOCIETAL CULTURE

This study deals with Romanian prospective leaders’ perceptions and expectations concerning the societal culture. It is a part of a European research project, GLOBE Students, dealing with the interrelations between societal culture and leadership. The basic theoretical constructs and methodological framework of investigation are those developed by GLOBE international research project. In adapting our research to student population peculiarities, GLOBE Beta questionnaire was altered through adding new items (scales). The sample consists in 429 students in business/economics and engineering, belonging to three Romanian universities. The findings show that in student’s opinion there are significant differences between societal culture practices and values (expectations) on all nine cultural dimensions in GLOBE model.
Knowledge, Skills and Competence in the European Labour Market: What’s in a Vocational Qualification?

For the free movement of labour across the European Union, establishing transparency and comparability of qualifications across member states is vital. This book examines how qualifications, knowledge, skills and competences are understood in different national contexts and trans-nationally and reveals a complex picture of differences and similarities both within and between countries. Against the background of [European Union] EU policy initiatives, and in particular the European Qualifications Framework, an important focus is on the prospects and difficulties of establishing cross-national recognition of qualifications. The book draws on case studies of particular sectors and occupations in England, France, Germany and the Netherlands.
Full-Wave Analysis of Electron Wavepacket Propagation in Carbon Nanotube Devices by a new Transmission Line Matrix-Schroedinger Equation (TLM-SE) scheme

In this paper we present a novel technique in which the Maxwell equations, discretized by the Transmission Line Method in a three-dimensional domain, are coupled to the Schroedinger equation and simultaneously solved. The goal is to develop a method that accounts for deterministic electromagnetic field dynamics together with the quantum phenomena, which are typical of nanotube transistor devices. We first investigate the dynamic behaviour of an electron wavepacket injected in a nanotube between two metallic electrodes. The time-space evolution of the electromagnetic near field is also shown.
Application specific LED packaging for automotive forward-lighting application and design of whole lamp module

In this study, we first analyse the requirements both in optical and thermal aspects in theory. With the results of theoretical analysis, we design the application specific light emitting diode (LED) packaging (ASLP) with optimized structural parameters and choose appropriate packaging materials. According to this design, several samples are made and tested. The test results show that the LED packaging can provide a light flux of 1100 lm with a sharp cut-off and the chromaticity of packaging can comply with ECE regulations. In addition, the thermal resistance of packaging can be less than 1.3 K/W when equivalent heat transfer coefficient of cooling system is about 5000 W/(m2·K). Secondly, based on the test results, we design a supporting optical system with a novel freeform multi-reflector, an effective cooling system and even a whole headlamp module including low-beam and high-beam functions. Finally, we test the performances of the headlamp, and the test results in simulation can fully comply with ECE and GB regulations.
The Effect of Happiness Training Based on Fordyce Model on Perceived Stress in the Mothers of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate

Introduction: A child afflicted with facial deformities such as cleft lip and palate usually affects their parents, because of difficulties in nutrition, speech, aesthetics and social connections, and also imposing a lot of stress on them. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a happiness program on the perceived stress in the mothers of children with cleft lip and palate. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study in which 64 mothers of children with cleft lip and palate were divided by simple random sampling into intervention and control groups (n=64). The program of happiness training was implemented within 10 sessions and the questionnaires of demographics and Cohen perceived stress were filled out prior to and two months after the last session in intervention group. Data analysis was done using SPSS Ver.13. Results: Independent t-test indicated a significant difference in the perceived stress mean score after training in the intervention and control groups. Also paired t-test indicated a significant difference in perceived stress mean score before and after training in the intervention group, but the difference was not statistically significant for the control group. Conclusion: Considering the effect of happiness program on reducing stress in the mothers of children with cleft lip and palate, it is recommended that this model can be used as an intervention in the maternal care for more involvement in the process of treatment and care of their child, in addition to reduce psychological problems in the parents.
Class-size effects in secondary school

We analyze class-size effects on academic achievement in secondary school in Denmark exploiting an institutional setting where pupils cannot predict class size prior to enrollment, and where post-enrollment responses aimed at affecting realized class size are unlikely. We identify class-size effects combining a regression discontinuity design with control for lagged achievement and school fixed effects. Using administrative registry data, we find statistically significant negative effects of class size on academic achievement.
DETECTION OF BRUCELLAE AND THEIR ANTIBODIES BY FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY AND AGGLUTINATION TESTS

The laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis often is delayed because of the difficulty of isolating and growing the organisms. Once isolated in pure culture, the brucellae can be identified by the agglutination test, the standard method requiring 48 hr at 37 C. Similarly, antibodies from patients with brucellosis can be detected with antigens of brucellae. It was postulated that fluorescent antibody techniques would facilitate the detection of smaller numbers of brucellae much earlier, since relatively heavy concentrations of the organisms in pure culture would not be required. Fluorescent antibody investigations with other bacteria have indicated that well defined conditions for producing antibody which will be specific for the homologous organism must be set up and the conditions of staining and interpretation of the tests carefully investigated (Moody, Goldman, and Thomason, 1956; Thomason, Moody, and Goldman, 1956; Moody, Ellis, and Updyke, 1958; Cherry and Freeman, 1959; Winter and Moody, 1959a, b; Moody and Winter, 1959). It has not been possible to predict reliably the specificity and suitability of a given antiserum as a fluorescent antibody reagent merely because it is satisfactory as a reagent in the agglutination or precipitin test. The present report describes conditions whereby fluorescent antibody reagents for the laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis can be prepared and used to detect either brucellae or their antibodies in serum.
GENERAL USES AND METHODS OF THERMISTORS IN TEMPERATURE INVESTIGATIONS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO A TECHNIQUE FOR HIGH SENSITIVITY CONTACT TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT.

The thermistor (thermally sensitive resistor) provides a readily available instrument for temperature measurement and control inherently superior to instruments now in use. It is small, inexpensive, and yet highly sensitive to changes in temperature. Though used in industry and in the physical sciences, it has had but limited use in academic biological research. This some general properties, applications and methods of use of thermistors to investigations of temperature relationships, and describes a technique using a thermistor for high sensitivity contact thermometry.
Corporate Social Responsibility for Sustainability

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a key part of the management agenda of many companies. Basic CSR programs often focus solely on reputation and have only a limited connection to sustainability and operational policies. This makes it difficult to justify and maintain such programs over the long run. Today, no one seriously denies the need for sustainable business practices—the viability of a business depends on healthy ecosystems and just societies. Rather than merely promoting their socially responsible activities, firms should combine their unique resources and expertise to build sustainable economies by implementing a concept named corporate social responsibility for sustainability (CSRS). The goal of this study is to provide insights on implementing advanced CSRS and show how it differs from basic CSR. Real business cases from S&P500 consumer discretionary sector are used to illustrate this study’s concepts.
The role of applications and their vendors in evolution of software ecosystems

The most recent trends in the electronic commerce research have suggested that forming an ecosystem around a platform would create a winning solution. The ecosystem, consisting of vendors and external actors, would create competitive advantage for the platform owner. Furthermore, the sheer number of the actors has been used as the measure of the ecosystem's well-being against competing ecosystems. Whereas a number of studies has been devoted to analyse the well-being indicators or structures of software ecosystems and the importance of complementors and complements are acknowledged, there is lack of studies addressing how the complementors affect into the evolution of ecosystems. This conceptual analysis aims to open discussion on this topic by using the mobile application ecosystems—such as Google Play or Apple's iOS—as the case subject. While the results suggest some implications for the platform owners and complementors, more work is needed
Maternal mental health and child problem behaviours: disentangling the role of depression and borderline personality dysfunction

Background It is not known whether associations between child problem behaviours and maternal depression can be accounted for by comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) dysfunction. Aim To examine the contributions of maternal depression and BPD symptoms to child problem behaviours. Method Depression trajectories over the fist-year postpartum were generated using repeated measurement from a general population sample of 997 mothers recruited in pregnancy. In a stratified subsample of 251, maternal depression and BPD symptoms were examined as predictors of child problem behaviours at 2.5 years. Results Child problem behaviours were predicted by a high maternal depression trajectory prior to the inclusion of BPD symptoms. This association was no longer significant after the introduction of BPD symptoms. Conclusions Risks for child problem behaviours currently attributed to maternal depression may arise from more persistent and pervasive difficulties found in borderline personality dysfunction.
Time-constrained sensor scheduling for parameter estimation of distributed systems

The paper discusses an approach to configure a sensor network in a spatial domain that will be used to identify unknown parameters of a distributed system. Particularly, given a finite number of possible sites at which sensors may reside and imposing additional constraints on the accumulated time of sensing, we determine a scheduling policy for discrete scanning sensors so as to maximize a criterion based on the Fisher information matrix associated with the estimated parameters. A computational scheme based on the branch-and-bound method will be provided for the solution of the resulting combinatorial problem. Finally, the proposed technique will be illustrated with simulations on a sensor network scheduling problem for a two-dimensional convective diffusion process.
Highly specific responses to amine odorants of individual olfactory receptor neurons in situ

The main olfactory system of larval Xenopus laevis is made up of at least two subsystems consisting of subsets of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) with different transduction mechanisms. One ORN subset lacks the canonical cAMP transduction pathway and responds to amino acid odorants. The second subset has the cAMP transduction pathway but as yet suitable odorants are unknown. Here we report the identification of amines as proper olfactory stimuli for larval X. laevis using functional Ca2+ imaging and slice preparations of the olfactory system. The response profiles of individual ORNs to a number of amines were extremely complex and mostly highly specific. The great majority of amine‐sensitive ORNs responded also to forskolin, an activator of the olfactory cAMP transduction pathway. Most amine‐induced responses could be attenuated by the cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel inhibitor LY83583. This confirms that most amine‐responsive olfactory receptors (ORs) are coupled to the cAMP‐dependent transduction pathway. Furthermore, we show that trace amine‐associated receptors (TAARs), which have been shown to act as specific ORs for amines in mammals, are expressed in the olfactory organ of X. laevis. The TAARs expressed in Xenopus cannot, however, explain the complex responses of individual ORNs to amines because there are too few of them. This indicates that, in addition to TAARs, there must be other receptor families involved in the detection of amines.
Demand uncertainty and manufacturer returns policies for style-good retailing competition

This paper investigates the role of the returns policy in the co-ordination of supply chain: A manufacturer provides a return policy for unsold goods to two competing retailers who face uncertain demand. The problem is described with a game theory structure: The manufacturer, as the Stackelberg leader, first commits a returns price to the retailers under a given wholesale price. Upon receiving this information, two competing retailers, as followers, make decisions for their retail price and order size, in which the process of pricing and ordering is played as Nash equilibrium. Anticipated the retailers’ responses, the manufacturer designs his returns policy. Adopting the classic newsboy problem model framework and using numerical study methods, the study finds that the provision of a returns policy is dependent on the market conditions faced by the retailers. The paper also analyses the impact of demand variability on the decisions of optimal retail price and order quantity and profit reallocation between the manufacturer and the retailers. Finally, it investigates how the competing factor influences the decision-making of supply chain members in response to uncertain demand and profit variability.