Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Involvement of c‐myc in the resistance of non‐obese diabetic mice to glucocorticoid‐induced apoptosis

Non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice spontaneously develop insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) as a consequence of autoimmune aggression of β cells of the endocrine pancreas by T cells. T lymphocytes of NOD mice are resistant to apoptosis induced by glucocorticoids, or by starving or DNA‐damaging treatments, a feature that was interpreted as being linked to escape of autoreactive T cells from thymic negative selection. c‐myc is one of the gene targets of glucocorticoids (GC), its expression being down‐regulated by the activated GC–GC receptor complex. We investigated here whether expression of Myc protein, in response to dexamethasone stimulation, was the same in NOD mice and in non‐autoimmune strains, namely NON, BALB/c and C57Bl.6. We found a consistent increase in the levels of Myc protein after GC‐treatment of lymphocytes of NOD mice, a finding that was in contrast to the down‐regulation of c‐myc that we observed in lymphocytes from mice not prone to diabetes. We also report that, rather than a absolute resistance to GC‐induced cell death, NOD mice display a delayed apoptotic response to GC. We propose that the resistance of NOD mice lymphocytes to GC‐induced apoptosis is because of inhibition of the repressive action of GC‐GR complexes at the level of c‐myc transcription. This deficient action of GC–GR results in increased production of nuclear Myc protein, peculiar to NOD mice cells, following their treatment with GC.
Natural, Dyadic, and Sequency Order Algorithms and Processors for the Walsh-Hadamard Transform

The Walsh-Hadamard transform has recently received increasing attention in engineering applications due to the simplicity of its implementation and to its properties which are similar to the familiar Fourier transform. The transform matrices found so far to possess fast algorithms are the naturally ordered and dyadically ordered matrices, whose algorithms are similar to the Cooley-Tukey algorithm, and to the machine-oriented algorithm of Corinthios [2], respectively.
The Global Financial Crisis: what have we learned so far?

Purpose - – The purpose of this paper is to provide a cohesive review of the major findings in the literature concerning the Global Financial Crisis. Design/methodology/approach - – Papers published in top-rated finance and economics journal since the crisis up to the present were reviewed. A large number of these were selected for inclusion, primarily based on the number of citations they had received adjusted for the amount of time elapsed since their publication, but also partly based on how well they fit in with the narrative. Findings - – Much has been done to investigate the causes of the Global Financial Crisis, its effects on various aspects of the financial system, and the effectiveness of regulatory measures undertaken to restore the financial system. While more remains to be done, the existing body of research paints an interesting picture of what happened and why it happened, describes the interrelationships between the mortgage markets and financial markets created by the large scale securitization of financial assets, identifies the problems created by these inter-linkages and offers possible solutions, and assesses the effectiveness of the regulatory response to the crisis. Originality/value - – This study summarizes a vast amount of literature using a framework that allows the reader to quickly absorb a large amount of information as well as identify specific works that they may wish to examine more closely. By providing a picture of what has been done, it may also assist the reader in identifying areas that should be the subject of future research.
Dopant induced shape evolution of colloidal nanocrystals: The case of zinc oxide

The electrical, optical and other important properties of colloidal nanocrystals are determined mainly by the crystals' chemical composition, size and shape. The introduction of specific dopants is a general approach of modifying the properties of such nanocrystals in well-controlled ways. Here we show that in addition to altering the atomic composition of the nanocrystals the introduction of specific dopants can also lead to dramatic changes in morphology. The creation of Mg doped ZnO nanocrystals by an ester elimination method provides an excellent example of this procedure: depending on the molar ratio of dopant precursor in the reagents, nanocrystals with well defined shapes, from tetrapods to ultrathin nanowires, which exhibit tunable optoelectronic properties, are obtained in a one-step reaction. We find that the Mg dopant plays an important role in the primary nucleation stage, resulting in seeds possessing either zincblende or wurtzite structures, which is critical for the growth of nanocrystals with different shapes. We demonstrate that this method can be extended to other oxide nanocrystal systems and provides an attractive and effective strategy for creating doped nanocrystals with interesting compositional and spatial complexity. Exquisite control of the doping procedure we have developed is a promising avenue to controlled synthesis of nanocrystals with exactly defined compositions, specifically tailored shapes and advanced materials properties.
The balance between von-Willebrand factor and its cleaving protease ADAMTS13: biomarker in systemic inflammation and development of organ failure?

PURPOSE This review investigates and highlights the activity of Willebrand factor (VWF) and its cleaving protease as biomarkers of the development of multiple organ dysfunction in infectious and noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome. STATE OF THE ART Ultra-large VWF (ULVWF) multimers activate platelets resulting in a prothrombotic situation. Systemic inflammation is associated with increased ULVWF plasma level and a decreased ADAMTS13 activity. The potential role of ADAMTS13 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy is largely underestimated. SUMMARY VWF is an acute phase protein and its plasma level increases in systemic inflammation. When released from endothelial cells and platelets, the native multimeric glycoprotein is mostly present in the ultralarge form (ULVWF), which may have a major clinical significance under proinflammatory conditions. ULVWF-multimers may activate endothelial cells and platelets simultaneously. The multimers undergo limited proteolysis by a specific plasma metalloprotease known as ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motif), thus, in healthy individuals only marginal amounts of circulating ULVWF are detectable. Severe hereditary or acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency causes thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), which contributes to prothrombotic coagulation abnormalities preceding organ dysfunction systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). In proinflammatory conditions, ADAMTS13 activity decreases due to various mechanisms, (i) down regulation on a transcriptional level, (ii) proteolytic degradation, and (iii) consumption due to the high substrate level. Marked dysbalance as found in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock results in substantial amounts of plasma ULVWF. This level of dysbalance is negatively correlated with platelet count and positively correlated with the severity of inflammation and the degree of organ failure.
Corporate Governance, Competition and Performance

The paper examines interrelations between corporate governance, competition and performance. Traditional theories emphasise the importance of managerial incentives and disciplining in corporate governance, and how institutional arrangements affect financing. The paper argues that ownership and control, rather than incentives, disciplining and corporate finance, are the distinguishing features of different financial systems. The insider systems of Continental Europe and Japan may be superior at implementing policies which involve relations with stakeholders. Outsider, Anglo-American, systems may be more responsive to change. Concentration of ownership may be required to establish relations between stakeholders, and this may impede product market competition . Cet article examine les relations mutuelles entre modes de controle des entreprises, concurrence et performance de l’economie. Les theories traditionnelles soulignent l’importance des incitations et de la discipline dans la direction d’entreprise, ainsi que la maniere dont les dispositifs institutionneles jouent sur le financement. L’etude soutient que ce sont la propriete et le controle, plutot que les incitations, la discipline et la finance d’entreprise, qui distinguent les differents systemes financiers. Les systemes de financement d’Europe continentale et du Japon, qui reposent essentiellement sur le recours aux banques ou a d’autres investisseurs inities, pourraient s’averer plus efficaces dans la mise en place de politiques impliquant des relations avec l’ensemble des parties prenantes. De leur cote, les systemes angloamericains, ouverts sur les marches, pourraient etre plus receptifs au changement. Une concentration de la propriete pourrait etre necessaire pour etablir des relations entre les parties en presence, et cela pourrait faire obstacle a la concurrence sur les marches de produits .
Challenges and opportunities for cross‐border acquisitions by Chinese construction enterprises

Purpose – In recent years, several high‐profile cross‐border acquisitions made by Chinese enterprises have attracted the world's attention. However, none of these acquisitions were related to Chinese construction enterprises despite their expanding role in the international construction market. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the objectives and impediments faced by Chinese construction enterprises in cross‐border acquisitions based on existing theories and research studies.Design/methodology/approach – Based on a literature review and the analysis of the current status of cross‐border acquisitions in China, an industry‐wide questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the objectives and impediments of cross‐border acquisitions faced by Chinese construction enterprises.Findings – The main objective of Chinese construction enterprises towards cross‐border acquisitions is to create new markets and to optimize the industrial structure. Although a majority of the construction enterprises demonstr.
Long-term survivors of gastric cancer: a California population-based study.

PURPOSE In the United States, gastric cancer is rapidly fatal with a 25% 5-year survival. Of the few patients who survive, little is known about their demographic, clinical, and tumor characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data regarding all cases of gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma diagnosed in California between 1988 and 2005 were obtained from the California Cancer Registry, a member of the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. A Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to understand the independent relationships of patient demographic, disease, and treatment factors with survival. RESULTS We identified 47,647 patients diagnosed with gastric or GEJ cancer. Of those, only 9,325 (20%) survived at least 3 years. Variables associated with longer survival were localized stage (hazard ratio [HR], 0.20), surgery with diagnosis in 2002 or later (HR, 0.34), surgery with diagnosis in 2001 or before (0.37), regional stage (HR, 0.53), chemotherapy (HR, 0.56), intestinal histology (HR, 0.74), well- or moderately differentiated tumors (HR, 0.76), radiation (HR, 0.80), Asian/Pacific Islander race (HR, 0.81), treatment at an academic hospital (HR, 0.85), fundus/body/antrum location (HR, 0.90), highest socioeconomic status quintile (HR, 0.91), female sex (HR, 0.92), Hispanic race (HR, 0.92), and hospital size more than 150 beds (HR, 0.94). Kaplan-Meier curves showed longer median disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with tumors originating in the fundus/body/antrum compared with esophagus/cardia (13.4 v 10.8 months). Intestinal histology had significantly longer median DSS (28.9 months) compared with other (11.0 months) or diffuse (10.1 months) histology. CONCLUSION Patients who survive gastric and GEJ cancer more than 3 years after diagnosis have demographic and pathologic characteristics distinct from those who do not survive.
Cholera toxin, LT-I, LT-IIa and LT-IIb: the critical role of ganglioside binding in immunomodulation by Type I and Type II heat-labile enterotoxins

The heat-labile enterotoxins expressed by Vibrio cholerae (cholera toxin) and Escherichia coli (LT-I, LT-IIa and LT-IIb) are potent systemic and mucosal adjuvants. Coadministration of the enterotoxins with a foreign antigen produces an augmented immune response to that antigen. Although each enterotoxin has potent adjuvant properties, the means by which the enterotoxins induce various immune responses are distinctive for each adjuvant. Various mutants have been engineered to dissect the functions of the enterotoxins required for their adjuvanticity. The capacity to strongly bind to one or more specific ganglioside receptors appears to drive the distinctive immunomodulatory properties associated with each enterotoxin. Mutant enterotoxins with ablated or altered ganglioside-binding affinities have been employed to investigate the role of gangliosides in enterotoxin-dependent immunomodulation.
Access to the parapharyngeal space: An anatomical study comparing the endoscopic and open approaches

A subtemporal preauricular approach to the infratemporal fossa and parapharyngeal space has been the traditional path to tumors of this region. The morbidity associated with this procedure has lead to the pursuit of less invasive techniques. Endoscopic access using a minimally invasive transmaxillary/transpterygoid approach potentially may obviate the drawbacks associated with open surgery. The anatomy of the parapharyngeal space is complex and critical; therefore, a comparison of the anatomy exposed by these different approaches could aid in the decision making toward a minimally invasive surgical corridor.
Dealing with multiple currencies: what options for the transitional economies of Southeast Asia?

There is a spectrum of policy options available in dealing with dollarization in the transitional economies of Southeast Asia. These range from official dollarization at one end and enforced de-dollarization at the other. In between lie: currency board arrangements (CBAs), single currency options; and the muddling through approach. Both official dollarization and CBAs are not viable options for these countries. Official dollarization is politically untenable, while implementing a credible CBA is currently beyond the financial capacity of these countries. The single currency option remains somewhat vague in terms of detail, in relation to both design and time frame, and the region is unlikely to meet Optimal Currency Area (OCA) criteria. Lao PDR attempted to enforce de-dollarization in 1997, but the result was counter-productive. The muddling through but accelerating reforms approach appears to be the most realistic option. This approach views the multiple currency phenomenon (MCP) not so much as the problem, but rather as a symptom. The causes of the problem emanate from macroeconomic instability, political uncertainty, an underdeveloped financial and monetary system, and weak legal and institutional systems. Addressing these problems directly should eventually remove the symptom in the form of the MCP.
Identifiability and estimation of aircraft parameters and delays by using optimal input design

This paper considers test of identifiability, optimal input design and estimation problem given by aerospace domain describing aircraft nonlinear dynamics with time delays. The original idea is to use an approximation well in line with the given system and an algebraic approach to analyze identifiability. Then the approximate model is considered to obtain the optimal input and to estimate the parameters and delays of the original model. Numerical results are given and compared.
Diversity of the Burkholderia cepacia complex and implications for risk assessment of biological control strains.

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) consists of several species of closely related and extremely versatile gram-negative bacteria found naturally in soil, water, and the rhizosphere of plants. Strains of Bcc have been used in biological control of plant diseases and bioremediation, while some strains are plant pathogens or opportunistic pathogens of humans with cystic fibrosis. The ecological versatility of these bacteria is likely due to their unusually large genomes, which are often comprised of several (typically two or three) large replicons, as well as their ability to use a large array of compounds as sole carbon sources. The original species B. cepacia has been split into eight genetic species (genomovars), including five named species, but taxonomic distinctions have not enabled biological control strains to be clearly distinguished from human pathogenic strains. This has led to a reassessment of the risk of several strains registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for biological control. We review the biology of Bcc bacteria, especially how our growing knowledge of Bcc ecology and pathogenicity might be used in risk assessment. The capability of this bacterial complex to cause disease in plants and humans, as well as to control plant diseases, affords a rare opportunity to explore traits that may function in all three environments.
First International Workshop on Automated Specification and Verification of Web Sites (WWV 2005), March 14-15, 2005 Valencia, Spain

All modern businesses store many kinds of data distributed throughout their organization. Data is in different formats and has complex interdependencies (customer records, invoices, financial trade details, sales figures, compliance filings, etc.) Inconsistent data in poorly integrated systems, human errors in manual exception processes, the failure to comply with industry standards and the inability to enforce business rules create operational errors and large, daily losses for business. By checking complex, distributed data against business rules, reference data and industry standards, solutions for data intensive businesses are provided which allow companies to (i) validate the integrity of data across repositories in scattered locations, (ii) draw distributed information together, and (iii) focus knowledge quickly and efficiently on the job in hand.
Globalization effect on employment: an evidence form Islamic countries

The main aim of this paper is studying of globalization effects on job level. The data set used cover 10 countries over the period 1980-2009. Before proceeding to estimate panel data, we carry out unit root tests to examine whether the variables are stationary. Empirical studies show that the globalization has both increased and decreased the employment. Decrease or increase of employment and its relationship with globalization is studies in this paper. In the present study, using the method of estimating the function of labor demand and the dynamic theory of labor market through four main criteria of globalization namely trade liberalization, employment, FDI, financial market effect (Islamic banking) and the theoretical foundations of the relationship between globalization and market of labor has been studied. The employment with respect to the gross domestic product, the degree of economy openness and Islamic banking is positive but the employment with respect to the government size is negative. The foreign direct investment has had a slight positive effect on the employment growth.
Monetary Policy in Exceptional Times

This paper describes the way in which the European Central Bank (ECB), the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England conducted monetary policy since the beginning of the financial crisis, in August 2007. We argue that both quantitative easing - and the other non-standard measures introduced by central banks that changed the composition of the asset side of their balance sheets (so-called "qualitative easing") - acted mainly through their effects on interest rates and, in particular, on money market spreads, rather than solely through "quantity effects" in terms of the money supply. We perform a quantitative exercise on the euro area which estimates the effect of the reduction of these spreads to the broader economy.
Uganda's Recovery: The Role of Farms, Firms, and Government

This book consists of series of studies written by a range of specialists who analyze the responses of private sector agents--households, farms, and firms--and of the government of Uganda itself, to the macroeconomic and structural reforms implemented since the late 1980s in a society recovering from a traumatic civil conflict. The importance of this line of inquiry cannot be underestimated because the success or failure of market-oriented reforms depends crucially on just how private sector agents are able to respond to incentives and opportunities created by the reforms. The analysis in this book draws on quantitative data derived from a series of household surveys and from surveys of firms conducted in the 1990s and more recently in 1999/2000. The household surveys permit analysis of the evolution of income, expenditures, and poverty during this period. The impact of reforms on rural factor markets, on crop and livestock production decisions, and on firms' investment decisions are also among the issues researched in this report. While this report praises Uganda's achievements where warranted, it provides an objective assessment of the reforms and does not shy away from identifying areas where policy mistakes were made. It points out where major weaknesses still exist, notably, public sector corruption, the still poor enforcement of contracts, and the deficiencies in the physical infrastructure.
Relative scarcity and uneven growth

Baumol has argued that problems experienced by cities in providing metropolitan services might be the product of an uneven growth process. Slow productivity growth sectors, he argues, could experience increased real costs and, unless demand for their service is highly inelastic, their outputs could decline severely. Looks at these issues in a framework which allows explicitly both for demand, for examination of the sources of productivity growth, and for substitution between productive factors. This extended framework allows for verification and extension of Baumol’s results. For instance, it is found that with uneven growth the relative price of the non‐progressive sector’s output will rise if that good is normal.
Dimeric Fcγ Receptor Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay To Study HIV-Specific Antibodies: A New Look into Breadth of Fcγ Receptor Antibodies Induced by the RV144 Vaccine Trial

Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) responses are of growing interest in the HIV vaccine field but current cell-based assays are usually difficult to reproduce across laboratories. We developed an ELISA and multiplex assay to model the cross-linking of Fcγ receptors (FcγR) by Abs, which is required to initiate an ADCC response. Our FcγR dimer ELISA readily detected Abs in samples from two separate cohorts of the partially efficacious Thai RV144 HIV vaccine efficacy trial. The FcγR dimer–binding Abs induced by the RV144 regimen correlated well with a functional measure of ADCC as well as IgG subclasses. The high-throughput multiplex assay allowed us to simultaneously measure FcγR dimer–binding Abs to 32 different HIV Ags, providing a measure of the breadth of FcγR-binding Abs induced by the RV144 trial. FcγR-binding Abs specific to V regions 1 and 2 were strongly associated with increased breadth of recognition of different Env proteins, suggesting anti–V regions 1 and 2 Abs may be a marker of ADCC breadth. This FcγR dimer provides an important tool for the further analysis and refinement of ADCC-inducing HIV and other antiviral vaccine regimens.