Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Applying the Animosity Model in Foreign Product Purchases: Evidence from an Emerging Nation

ABSTRACT Considerable attention has been devoted to research on animosity and ethnocentrism and their influence on foreign product evaluation. However, little attention has been paid to research in Saudi Arabia, a country that wields significant global political and economic influence as the cradle of Islam and where the perceived anti-American sentiment runs high. Drawing upon relevant extant literature, the article proposes a research model examining the relationship between animosity and ethnocentrism factors and product evaluation. The study also extends the line of inquiry to explore the moderating effects of domestic availability and foreign travel. By employing a survey, this study further examines how consumers in Saudi Arabia harbor varying degrees of animosity and ethnocentrism and their influence on product evaluation. This study found that economic animosity does not have a negative influence on US product evaluation. However, the study found a significant moderating effect of foreign travel on war animosity and evaluation of foreign products. The overall results show that war animosity and ethnocentrism significantly affect the evaluation of US products. Detailed discussions of the research, managerial, and contextual implications are reported.
Financial Sector Regulation and Implications for Growth

Growth with equity is the foremost objective in all economies in the world today, especially in the emerging market economies (EMEs), where the poor still make up a sizeable proportion of the population. To ensure growth and development with equity, financial sector policies are expected to be tuned to sub-serve these broad objectives. Though there is no unanimity among economists, including Nobel laureates, on the relevance of finance for growth, the crisis has provided ample evidence that a stable financial system will have a positive impact on both growth and equity and an unstable one will harm both these economic objectives. There could, however, be conflicts in the short and medium term between the objective of financial stability on the one hand, and growth and equity on the other hand. But there cannot be any dispute that in the long term all three objectives are simultaneously achievable. This paper highlights the interaction between prudential and other financial sector and macroeconomic policies and goes on to review financial sector regulation in the pre-crisis, mid-crisis and post-crisis periods, with a special focus on issues specific to the EMEs in the implementation of Basel II and III. The paper argues that even though the EMEs find implementing the Basel capital regulations a major challenge, in the long run following these standards will contribute to strengthening their banking systems. The paper also emphasises that some aspects of regulation can be oriented towards achieving the development objectives of EMEs without necessarily sacrificing prudent regulation and financial stability considerations, and that EMEs can supplement their development objectives with other well designed financial sector policies. Full publication: Financial Sector Regulation for Growth, Equity and Stability
Which Class and What Squeezes? Relationships with Wellbeing, National Pride, and Inequality

Singapore had been experiencing high income inequality and a very recent drop in income disparity. As an economy competing for international top talents and investment, Singapore faced worldwide long-term forces raising income inequality; as a democratic city-state responding to heterogeneous demand of its voters, recently strengthened redistributive policies benefiting the poor might strain the national pride and sense of belonging of the middle income class as compared to the relatively more mobile top income class. Using the World Values Survey Singapore 2012, this paper provides evidence that given the long-term trend of income disparity and the recent strengthening of redistribution, the middle income class was indeed squeezed in terms of national pride, feeling as part of the Singapore nation, and attitude towards income redistribution, and suggests that the perception of low social mobility is also a reason for the findings among others.
Options to Narrow New Zealand’s Saving – Investment Imbalance

The Treasury has, at times, suggested giving greater consideration to reforms to narrow the Saving-Investment gap. However, there has been less discussion of specific policy options for doing this. This paper helps to fill the gap by asking what policy reforms could help to narrow the Saving-Investment gap in New Zealand. Lower per capita growth in the capital stock overall does not seem a desirable goal, given the relatively capital shallow nature of the New Zealand economy. This suggests a need for a significantly higher rate of national saving. Previous recommendations to boost national saving have often focused on higher government saving. This paper agrees that higher public saving is desirable but argues that efforts to boost private sector saving rates are at least as important. Potential policy options to boost private sector saving include tax policy changes, a range of different retirement income policy settings and policies that affect the housing market. Internationally, New Zealand stands out as being one of the only OECD countries where individuals do not have access to any significantly tax-preferred saving vehicles other than property. Tax reform thus has potential to both raise the level of saving and improve its composition. One option may be to reduce the tax rate on capital income, such as by extending the existing PIE regime, although such a reform would need to be packaged together with other tax changes to mitigate the equity and revenue impacts. Another option would be to move toward a private save-as-you-go (SAYGO) pension system, which would pair compulsory savings with means-testing of New Zealand Superannuation (NZS). At the same time, there is a growing body of evidence pointing to the effectiveness of default policies that nudge individuals to save more (as KiwiSaver does). Finally, a number of policies are considered that would dampen house price inflation, which may help to boost private saving.
Identification of PV system model for simulation of MPPT controllers

The present paper is part of a larger project which aims to monitor and mitigate dust on the PV systems in the city of Arequipa. Its objective is to present a simplified model for simulating PV panels for the design and project maximum power point tracker - MPPT controllers. With an experimental setup, signals of voltage, current, power, irradiance and temperature were acquired. A SEPIC converter that can be controlled electronically was simulated and implemented for using it as variable load. The PV model identified was subject to simulation considering variations of temperature and irradiance. Through these simulation, a MPP voltage set point function was identified. Finally a PI controller was implemented for MPPT system to simulate the identified PV model.
Expression of adrenergic receptors in individual astrocytes and motor neurons isolated from the adult rat brain

Attempts to show the distribution of adrenergic receptors (ARs) in autoradiographs of a brainstem motor nucleus following elimination of motor neurons yielded the unexpected result of an increase in β‐AR density. This increase was related to the gliosis accompanying the motor neuron degeneration. To determine the cells on which the AR subtypes were located, we dissociated cells from various regions of the adult rat brain and subsequently identified astrocytes by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence. Slides containing the astrocytes were prepared for autoradiography using the nonselective β ligand 125I‐iodocyanopindolol (125ICYP) or the α1 ligand 125IBE 2254 (125I‐HEAT). The addition of the selective β1 blocker betaxolol or the β2 blocker ICI 118.551 to the incubation medium to displace 125ICYP binding was used to determine the binding of β‐AR subtypes.
Aging of the vertebrate immune system

We have summarized current knowledge on the aging of the immune system in three vertebrate groups: fish, amphibians and birds. Available data are few due to difficulties in studying ageing in natural populations and in accurately determining age. In all vertebrates, the most obvious evidence of the senescence of lymphoid tissue is the involution of thymus, which courses with decreased numbers of thymocytes, and loss of the histological organization of gland. On the other hand, there is little information on aged secondary lymphoid organs. Possible influence of the endocrine system in the changes observed in aged lymphoid organs is also discussed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 62:477–481, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure design and analysis of compliant human-machine interface mechanism for exoskeletons

Due to the difference between kinematics of human joints and exoskeleton joints, joint misalignment may be brought about by human-machine interface (HMI). Joint misalignment may lead to undesired interaction forces, if not copped with properly, e.g. in the HMI mechanism with straps. In this paper, firstly the interaction forces caused by joint misalignment in HMI mechanism with straps are studied. Then, a compliant HMI mechanism which consists of passive mechanical linkages is presented and Degrees of Freedom (DOFs) of the whole human-machine system are analyzed. A simulation model of human-machine system is established for analyzing the interaction forces in the compliant HMI mechanism. Finally, comparative results were obtained to demonstrate that the constraint forces can be decreased greatly with sufficient driving forces simultaneously by using of the compliant HMI mechanism.
Flashbulb Memories

We review and analyze the key theories, debates, findings, and omissions of the existing literature on flashbulb memories (FBMs), including what factors affect their formation, retention, and degree of confidence. We argue that FBMs do not require special memory mechanisms and are best characterized as involving both forgetting and mnemonic distortions, despite their being associated with high levels of confidence. Factual memories for FBM-inducing events generally follow a similar pattern. Although no necessary and sufficient factors straightforwardly account for FBM retention, media attention particularly shapes memory for the events themselves. FBMs are best characterized in terms of repetitions, even of mnemonic distortions, whereas event memories evidence corrections. The bearing of this literature on social identity and traumatic memories is also discussed.
Cellular immune responses in hemophilia: why do inhibitors develop in some, but not all hemophiliacs?

Summary. Advances in molecular immunology over the past two decades permit a better understanding of why antibodies develop to peptide antigens like factor VIII and the events that lead to the development of these antibodies. Two important variables that are critical in antibody formation are (i) the molecular defect in FVIII and the consequences of that defect on translation and protein production, and (ii) the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules which bind specific peptide sequences and present those peptides to CD4 T lymphocytes to initiate the cellular cascade leading to B‐cell stimulation and differentiation, and ultimately to antibody formation. Inhibitors develop in hemophilia because transfused FVIII can be seen as a foreign protein and elicits an immune response in much the same way that any other foreign protein might elicit an immune response. However, not all hemophiliacs generate an immune response, either because they do not recognize FVIII as foreign or because their MHC phenotype is such that a cellular immune response is not initiated. In this model, it is the combination of molecular defect and MHC phenotype that determines inhibitor formation. The interplay of these two variables in the context of why some but not all hemophiliacs develop antibodies after treatment with replacement factor is reviewed.
The Effect of Ophthalmic Artery Chemosurgery on Immune Function in Retinoblastoma Patients: A Single Institution Retrospective Analysis

Background: Ophthalmic artery chemosurgery (OAC) is associated with grade 3 and 4 neutropenia, however the effect on T-cell number and function is unknown. The purpose of this retrospective review was to confirm that patients treated with OAC do not develop immunosuppression warranting Pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis. Procedure: IRB approval was obtained for a single center retrospective review of immune function tests in retinoblastoma patients who received OAC. Results: Twenty-three patients received ≥3 cycles of OAC and had immune function testing (absolute CD4 count) performed at a median of 34 days postcompletion of therapy (range, 15 to 63 d). Only 1 patient had a low absolute CD4 count of 189 cells/&mgr;L (normal, 359 to 1570 cells/&mgr;L) 2 and a half months after IV carboplatin and 28 days after their third dose of OAC. This patient was found to have coexisting hypogammaglobulinemia. Repeat immune function testing normalized through continued OAC treatment. Conclusions: Clinically significant immune suppression appears rare following OAC alone, but patients previously treated with IV chemotherapy may be immunosuppressed and may benefit from pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis until the CD4 count recovers.
[Lowering intraocular pressure by phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation].

It is suspected that PE+PCL will often lower IOP. IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry in 50 consecutive patients (12 males and 38 females) who were unliterally pseudophacic (28 right and 22 left eyes n.s.). They had an intact posterior capsule and were not suffering from glaucoma. Mean age was 76 +/- 10 years. Time intervals since cataract surgery ranged from 2 to 68 months (mean 15 +/- 17 months). Seventy-four percent (99% confidence interval: 61% < P < 87%) of the patients showed lower IOP (less than 90% of reference value) in the pseudophacic eye. Median IOP in pseudophacic eye was 12 mmHg vs 14 mmHg in phacic control eyes (P < 0.01). These results are in accordance with the hypothesis that PE+PCL usually leads to a long-term reduction in IOP.
Treatment of isolated severe immune hemolytic anaemia associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: 26 cases

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to treatment and the long-term outcome in a cohort of patients in whom severe autoimmune hemolytic anaemia (AHA) was the leading manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Twenty-six women with severe isolated AHA were included. Corticosteroids were used as the initial treatment for all patients in our study. An initial response was obtained in all but one patient (96%). The overall recurrence rate was three per 100 person-years, with an expected recurrence-free proportion of 73% with a 180 months median follow-up. Seven patients (27%) experienced a relapse of AHA. We found a higher proportion of pleuritis in relapsing patients. Only three patients experienced multiple relapses despite splenectomy and several immunosuppressants. Steroid-sparing effect of hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine could not be assessed because most of the patients received these treatments for other reasons than AHA. Intravenous immunoglobulins induced transient response in three cases. Splenectomy was efficient to definitively control AHA in one patient but two patients quickly experienced relapses while one patient did not benefit. Five patients received immunosuppressants that induced only transient responses. Rituximab was long-term efficient in one case. In conclusion, severe AHA is a serious complication of SLE that warrants appropriate management. On the basis of our experience, the ideal treatment of isolated AHA should be oral corticosteroids in first-line treatment. Our study does not support an important role for splenectomy. Patients refractory to conventional therapy should be treated either with few toxic immunosuppressive drugs, danazol or rituximab.
Latent Periodicity of 21 Bases Typical for MCP II Gene is Widely Present in Various Bacterial Genes

The existence of a typical latent periodicity of 21 bases from the Tar chemoreceptor gene of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) (MCP II) in the bacterial genes has been investigated in this work. Among 583 annotated bacterial genes and ORFs in the GenBank, in which the typical periodicity has been found, the chemoreceptors' genes constituted the most numerous group (18.5%). This typical latent periodicity of 21 bases has been revealed in many different genes of regulatory proteins, DNA polymerases, reductases, kinases and others. The numbers in such gene groups varied from 1 to 4% of the total analyzed genes. The 2D-structures analysis of the amino acid residues, which have been translated from the genes' regions with 21 bases periodicity, has shown that, though the enrichment of f -helical structures in such sequences is kept in all cases, it is seen that the latent periodicity of 21 bases is a very sensitively tuned basis, allowing the translated residues to smoothly change from one conformation to another. Interesting results have been obtained for 16S rRNAs genes of proteobacteria. Short sequences-determinants have been revealed in the genes, which select beta and gamma proteobacteria with an accuracy of above 90%.
Influence of Infant Feeding Patterns on Early Mother‐to‐Child Transmission of HIV‐1 in Durban, South Africa

Abstract: Previous studies on the effect of breastfeeding on mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of HIV have not attempted to examine the influence of different types of breastfeeding practice. To attempt to address some of these inadequacies, infant feeding practices of 549 HIV‐infected women involved in a trial in Durban, South Africa were documented prospectively. Women were counseled on infant feeding choices according to UNAIDS guidelines, and those who chose to breastfeed were encouraged to practice exclusive breastfeeding. The MTCT rates of HIV‐1 at 3 months were compared in the three different feeding groups (never breastfed, exclusive breastfeeding, and mixed breast‐feeding). At 3 months, 18.8% of 156 never‐breastfed children were infected compared to 21.3% of 393 breastfed children (p= 0.50). Children exclusively breastfed to at least 3 months (n= 103) were less likely to be infected (14.3%) than those receiving mixed feeding before 3 months (24.1%) (p= 0.03). After adjustment for potential confounders (maternal CD4:CD8 ratio, syphilis screening test results, and preterm delivery), exclusive breastfeeding carried a significantly lower risk of HIV‐1 transmission than mixed feeding (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28‐0.98) and an equivalent risk to no breastfeeding (HR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.51‐1.42). Our findings have important implications for HIV and infant feeding policies in developing countries, and it is critical that further research be undertaken. In the meantime, breastfeeding policies for HIV‐infected women require urgent review. If confirmed, exclusive breastfeeding may offer HIV‐infected women in developing countries an affordable, culturally acceptable, and effective means of reducing MTCT of HIV‐1 while maintaining the overwhelming benefits of breastfeeding.
Targeted Deletion of Hepatic CTP:phosphocholine Cytidylyltransferase α in Mice Decreases Plasma High Density and Very Low Density Lipoproteins*

CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CT) is the key regulatory enzyme in the CDP-choline pathway for the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine. Hepatic cells express both an α and a β2 isoform of CT and can also synthesize phosphatidylcholine via the sequential methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine catalyzed by phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase. To ascertain the functional importance of CTα, we created a mouse in which the hepatic CTα gene was specifically inactivated by the Cre/LoxP procedure. In CTα knockout mice, hepatic CT activity (due to residual CTβ2 activity as well as activity in nonhepatic cells) was 15% of normal, whereas phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase activity was elevated 2-fold compared with controls. Lipid analyses of the liver indicated that female knockout mice had reduced phosphatidylcholine levels and accumulated triacylglycerols. The plasma phosphatidylcholine concentration was reduced in the CTα knockout (independent of gender), as were levels of high density lipoproteins (cholesterol and apoAI) and very low density lipoproteins (triacylglycerols and apoB100). Experiments in which mice were injected with Triton WR1339 indicated that apoB secretion was decreased in hepatic-specific CTα knockout mice compared with controls. These results suggest an important role for hepatic CTα in regulating both hepatic and systemic lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.
Improved Detection of Staphylococcus intermedius Group in a Routine Diagnostic Laboratory

ABSTRACT The Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) includes zoonotic pathogens traditionally associated with dog bites. We describe a simple scheme for improved detection of SIG using routine laboratory methods, report its effect on isolation rates, and use sequencing to confirm that, apart from one atypical SIG strain, most isolates are Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.
The translational repressor 4E-BP mediates hypoxia-induced defects in myotome cells

Summary Cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and survival are influenced by the availability of oxygen. The effect of hypoxia on embryonic cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms to maintain cellular viability are still poorly understood. In this study, we show that hypoxia during Xenopus embryogenesis rapidly leads to a significant developmental delay and to cell apoptosis after prolonged exposure. We provide strong evidence that hypoxia does not affect somitogenesis but affects the number of mitotic cells and muscle-specific protein accumulation in somites, without interfering with the expression of MyoD and MRF4 transcription factors. We also demonstrate that hypoxia reversibly decreases Akt phosphorylation and increases the total amount of the translational repressor 4E-BP, in combination with an increase of the 4E-BP associated with eIF4E. Interestingly, the inhibition of PI3-kinase or mTOR, with LY29002 or rapamycin, respectively, triggers the 4E-BP accumulation in Xenopus embryos. Finally, the overexpression of the non-phosphorylatable 4E-BP protein induces, similar to hypoxia, a decrease in mitotic cells and a decrease in muscle-specific protein accumulation in somites. Taken together, our studies suggest that 4E-BP plays a central role under hypoxia in promoting the cap-independent translation at the expense of cap-dependent translation and triggers specific defects in muscle development.