Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunologic responsiveness and the induction of experimental neoplasms.

of polyoma virus. Age susceptibility to the oncogenic effects of virus was extended to the adult period. The usual stigmata associated with thymectomy at birth were not observed in the 3-day thymectomized mice. Nevertheless the methods used to restore immunologically deficient neonates were also effective in restoring the capacity to resist tumor induction by polyoma virus. Growth curves of polyoma virus in kidney, salivary glands and liver were found to be similar in the thymectomized and intact littermates; hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibodies determined periodically up to 30 days were also similar in both groups. A high frequency of parotid gland tumors was observed in C3H female mice thymectomized at 3 days of age. In these mice "spontaneous" infection with polyoma virus occurred between
Explanatory Mining for Gold: Contrasting Evidence from Simple and Multiple Regressions

Gold traditionally has been used as a store of value and an inflation hedge. More recently, gold is also viewed as a hedge against uncertainty and a safe haven. This paper demonstrates that many properties regularly associated with gold are only valid in a simple regression framework but significantly change in a multiple regression framework. A descriptive and econometric analysis of gold and US economic and financial variables for monthly data from 1979 to 2011 shows that gold primarily serves as a hedge against a weaker US dollar and against higher commodity prices. In contrast, gold is not a hedge against consumer price inflation. The empirical results also indicate that gold only recently evolved as a safe haven asset.
Behavioral Actions of Intranasal Application of Dopamine: Effects on Forced Swimming, Elevated Plus-Maze and Open Field Parameters

Background: Recently, we found evidence that intra-nasally administered dopamine (DA), can enter the brain, leading to an immediate increase in extracellular DA levels in striatal subregions. This offers a potential alternative approach to target the brain with exogenous DA, which otherwise cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Here, we examined whether intra-nasally applied DA also exerts behavioral activity on mesocortical and nigrostriatal dopaminergic functions. Method: Male Wistar rats (3–4 months) were tested for potential behavioral effects of intra-nasally applied DA (0.03, 0.3 or 3.0 mg/kg) in the forced swimming test (FST) for antidepressant-like activity, elevated plus-maze for anxiety-related behavior, and on motor activity in a novel and familiar environment. Results: Intra-nasally administered dopamine in a dose of 0.3 mg/kg exerted antidepressant-like activity in the FST, but had neither anxiolytic-like nor anxiogenic-like effects in the elevated plus-maze. Furthermore, intra-nasal dopamine stimulated locomotor activity in a familiar, but not novel, open field. Conclusions: These results support the view that intra-nasally applied DA can act on the central nervous system by entering the brain via the nose-brain pathway, making this kind of application procedure a promising alternative for targeting the brain, and thus treating disorders involving mesocortical and/or nigrostriatal dopaminergic disturbances.
Cultural challenges to technology transfer

Summary It often seems as if development is led by technology, and those countries and individuals with the greatest power are those with access to the most powerful technology. But technology is a part of human culture, and different cultures may treat technology in very different ways, with different cultural groups attaching different symbolic values to the same sorts of technology. Given the rapid development of technology, supported by both public and private institutions, one major challenge to societies is how to incorporate new technologies into their cultures, so that their traditional values are maintained and enhanced while the new technologies enable more productive and sustainable relationships with the environment. It is apparent that technical actions and changes in technology are both determined by social relations that go far beyond mere action on matter, and simultaneously provide the basis for such relations. In many cultures, different parts of technology are controlled by different sectors of the society, but other forms of technology are becoming much more wide-spread; the new forms of information technology are an important example of the “democratization” of technology. It is apparent that cultural relations and power still decide what is acceptable to adopt and what is rejected. That said, much evidence indicates the pragmatism of most people, and with reasonable care cultural sensitivities can be addressed when introducing new technologies. The various cultural responses to the introduction of new biotechnologies indicate how different cultural concerns are addressed in different parts of the world, and how such issues might be addressed within the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The intention is to find ways to enable the various cultures in the world to develop in ways that they consider appropriate, without losing their cultural integrity.
Event Studies for Merger Analysis: An Evaluation of the Effects of Non-Normality on Hypothesis Testing

Financial event studies using daily stock returns are frequently employed in the analysis of mergers to estimate the sign and magnitude of stock movements to particular merger announcements. A common method of conducting the event study is least squares regression with dummy variables. Daily stock returns, however, are typically non-normally distributed, potentially rendering the hypothesis tests on the least squares coefficients invalid if based on asymptotic critical values. We present evidence on the non-normality of daily stock returns and the consequences of it on critical values using a bootstrap technique. We find that non-normality can lead to substantial departures from the asymptotic critical values and large asymmetries. Both under- and over-rejection of the null hypothesis are possible depending on the particular form of the non-normality.
Comparing Subjective Contours for Kanizsa Squares and Linear Edge Alignments (‘New York Titanic’ Figures)

One current view is that subjective contours may involve high-level detection of a salient shape with back propagation to early visual areas where small receptive fields allow for scrutiny of relevant details. This idea applies to Kanizsa-type figures. However, Gillam and Chan (2002 Psychological Science, 13, 279–282) using figures based on Gillam's graphic ‘New York Titanic’ (Gillam, 1997 Thresholds: Limits of perception. New York: Arts Magazine) showed that strong subjective contours can be seen along the linearly aligned edges of a set of shapes if occlusion cues of ‘extrinsic edge’ and ‘entropy contrast’ are strong. Here we compared ratings of the strength of subjective contours along linear alignments with those seen in Kanizsa figures. The strongest subjective contour for a single set of linearly aligned shapes was similar in strength to the edges of a Kanizsa square (controlling for support ratio) despite the lack of a salient region. The addition of a second set of linearly aligned inducers consistent with a common surface increased subjective-contour strength, as did having four rather than two ‘pacmen’ in the Kanizsa figure, indicating a role for surface support. We argue that linear subjective contours allow for the investigation of certain occlusion cues and the interactions between them that are not easily explored with Kanizsa figures.
The apolipoprotein E ε4 allele does not influence the clinical expression of the amyloid precursor protein gene codon 693 or 692 mutations

In 31 symptomatic and 5 asymptomatic carriers of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene codon 693 mutation, 10 family members without mutation, and 5 carriers of the APP gene codon 692 mutation (3 with early‐onset Alzheimer dementia, 2 with cerebral hemorrhage), a high frequency of the apolipoprotein E ϵ4 allele was found. Age at onset, age at death, occurrence of dementia, and number of strokes did not differ between APP gene mutation carriers with or without ϵ4 allele, showing that the clinical expression of these APP mutations is not influenced by the apolipoprotein E gene.
Mining ESTs to Determine the Usefulness of SNPs Across Shrimp Species

Expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries from members of the Penaeidae family and brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) are currently the primary source of sequence data for shrimp species. Penaeid shrimp are the most commonly farmed worldwide, but selection methods for improving shrimp are limited. A better understanding of shrimp genomics is needed for farmers to use genetic markers to select the best breeding animals. The ESTs from Litopenaeus vannamei have been previously mined for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This present study took publicly available ESTs from nine shrimp species, excluding L. vannamei, clustered them with CAP3, predicted SNPs within them using SNPidentifier, and then analyzed whether the SNPs were intra- or interspecies. Major goals of the project were to predict SNPs that may distinguish shrimp species, locate SNPs that may segregate in multiple species, and determine the genetic similarities between L. vannamei and the other shrimp species based on their EST sequences. Overall, 4,597 SNPs were predicted from 4,600 contigs with 703 of them being interspecies SNPs, 735 of them possibly predicting species' differences, and 18 of them appearing to segregate in multiple species. While sequences appear relatively well conserved, SNPs do not appear to be well conserved across shrimp species.
Benefits of Hazardous Waste Cleanup: New Evidence from Survey- and Market-Based Property Value Approaches

This article compares the discrete choice random utility model and the hedonic property value model in estimating the benefits of cleaning up Waukegan Harbor, a Superfund site on the Great Lakes. The study uses survey-based conjoint choice data on housing preferences and market data on housing transactions. The research finds that the benefit estimates for different levels of cleanup are quite comparable between the models. The estimates compare very well with those of some previous studies. The results of the study suggest that tax increment financing by the local government is a feasible option to fund cleanup.
Role of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is involved in the regulation of the balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. After activation by the thrombin‐thrombomodulin complex, TAFI downregulates plasmin formation, and thereby inhibits degradation of the fibrin clot [1]. High TAFI plasma levels may therefore contribute to an increased risk of thrombotic disorders. Elevated TAFI levels were found in patients with coronary artery disease [2,3]. In patients with venous thrombosis, TAFI levels above the 90th percentile were associated with an increased risk of thrombosis [4]. There are no data available on the role of TAFI levels in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim of the present case-control study was to examine TAFI antigen levels in relation to markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with and without acute PE. We investigated 120 patients with suspected PE and D-dimer levels � 500 ng mL � 1 . PE was diagnosed in 71 patients and excluded in 49 patients with a diagnostic strategy including pretest probability and spiral computed tomography (CT) [5]. In patients with proven PE, pulmonary occlusion rate was assessed by spiral CT using the modified Miller index described by Remy-Jardin et al. [6]. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was confirmed by compression sonography in 16 and excluded in 50 patients with confirmed PE and clinically suspected DVT. All patients gave written informed consent according to a protocol approved by the local ethics committee. Blood samples were drawn from an antecubital vein within 1 h after admission of the patients. Coagulation assays were performed in citrated plasma, C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in heparinized blood samples. Total TAFI antigen levels were determined by an enyzme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Milan Analytica, La Roche, Switzerland). TAFI levels were expressed as percentage of normal pooled plasma. Fibrinogen levels were measured according to Clauss, and D-dimer levels using an automated ELISA techni
Advances in Brief p 53 Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Japan : Association between Mutations and Smoking 1

The p53 gene has been implicated as a tumor suppressor gene involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. Our previous study revealed that the p53 gene is frequently mutated with a distinct nucleotide substitution pattern in small cell lung cancer specimens in Japanese patients. In this study, we examined 30 primary, resected non-small cell lung cancer samples in Japanese patients using complementary DNA-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Mutations changing the p53 coding se quence were found in 14 of 30 tumor samples (47%), while C:C to T:A transversions which are uncommon in other cancers such as colon cancer were the most frequently observed mutations, in agreement with an earlier report on non-small cell lung cancer in American patients. Furthermore, the present study shows for the first time that in univariate and multivariate analyses, the presence o(p53 mutations is closely associated with lifetime cigarette consumption.
High-Resolution Electrogastrogram: A Novel, Noninvasive Method for Determining Gastric Slow-Wave Direction and Speed

Despite its simplicity and noninvasiveness, the use of the electrogastrogram (EGG) remains limited in clinical practice for assessing gastric disorders. Recent studies have characterized the occurrence of spatial gastric myoelectric abnormalities that are ignored by typical approaches relying on time-frequency analysis of single channels. In this paper we present the high-resolution (HR) EGG, which utilizes an array of electrodes to estimate the direction and speed of gastric slow waves. The approach was verified on a forward electrophysiology model of the stomach, demonstrating that an accurate assessment of slow-wave propagation can be made. Furthermore, we tested the methodology on eight healthy adults and calculated propagation directions (181<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^\circ$</tex-math></inline-formula> ± 29<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^\circ$</tex-math></inline-formula>) and speeds (3.7 ± 0.5 mm/s) that are consistent with serosal recordings of slow waves described in the literature. By overcoming the limitations of current methods, HR-EGG is a fully automated tool that may unveil new classes of gastric abnormalities. This could lead to a better diagnosis of diseases and inspire novel drugs and therapies, ultimately improving clinical outcomes.
Beyond the Stop-and-Go Assumption in Pulse-Doppler Radar Sensors

Coherent radars have multiple applications; among them, they can obtain images of targets. Unfortunately, the image quality can be seriously compromised for highly maneuvering targets, since the commonly adopted stop-and-go assumption is no longer valid for them. An approximated conventional explicit model for the signal delay, being proportional to the time-dependent target range, is usually employed to evaluate the violation of the stop-and-go simplification in these scenarios. Nevertheless, even this model can lead to radar-based measurement inaccuracies for extreme situations; for example, those involving very fast relative dynamics between the platform and target or for radars exploiting long-time-pulse waveforms. In this paper, an implicit function is proposed as the exact model for the radar echo time delay. Solutions for the conventional and exact models in the case of first- and second-order range polynomials are provided, and pertinent comparisons between them are accomplished. The main conclusion of this paper is that the conventional model is generally a good approximation to the exact solutions, but there may be extreme cases for which it does not give insight into the real appearing effects. Thus, the application of the exact model for the derivation of the radar round-trip delay could enable the conception of advanced radar-sensor algorithms, which improve the image quality for highly maneuvering targets. Simulated results of 1-D range profiles for a linear frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar example are also presented for verification of the expounded analytical equations.
Asymmetric Complements in a Vertically Differentiated Market: Competition or Integration?

We study the effects of integration of asymmetric complements when they are vertically differentiated. While confirming the standard effects of integration, namely the internalization of the double marginalization externality and the reduction of competition, we point out a new positive quality effect, due to an increase in the average quality of the goods on sale. We also characterize the conditions under which integration turns out to be optimal for both firms' and consumers. We thus provide valuable directions for competition agencies when considering the joint ownership in vertically differentiated markets.
An Analysis of Reliable FDTD using OGT and Effective Permittivity Boundary Solution for Yee's Cell Structures

This paper describes reliability of the proposed FDTD method with overlapping-grid technique (OGT) and effective permittivity dielectric boundary solution. In order to solve contour path error at interface of two dielectric media, effective permittivity (EP) approach is calculated and evaluated by the numerical reflection coefficient. Especially, the OGT is applied for simulation of microstrip antenna with a probe feeding structure. In order to confirm the accuracy of EM structure modeling calculated by the OGT, a typical microstrip broadband patch antenna is considered and analyzed. The calculated results are compared with measurement as well as the calculated results of commercial tool. They show a good agreement with the measurement data and the theoretical prediction using commercial tool. To realize the high accuracy of the FDTD approach, it is also considered effective permittivity analysis to reduce reflection error occurred at the boundary of two different dielectric materials in a Yee's cell structure. The proposed EP solutions are theoretically investigated and compared with the conventional EP solutions (Dey, 1999) calculated an average weighted volumes of corresponding to dielectric permittivity. The numerical analysis performed for several examples is confirmed the reasonable agreement between the theoretical results and numerical calculations.
Lysophosphatidic acid stimulates intestinal restitution via cytoskeletal activation and remodeling.

BACKGROUND The gastrointestinal tract heals superficial wounds by a process of epithelial migration termed restitution. Restitution is an important response for preventing conditions like stress gastritis, ulcer disease, celiac sprue, ischemia-reperfusion injury, bacterial translocation during shock, and inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a platelet product, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), on intestinal restitution. MATERIALS AND METHODS IEC-6 cells were used to study the effect of LPA on intracellular calcium mobilization, actin stress fiber formation, and actin and FAK protein levels. An in vitro model of restitution was utilized to determine the LPA-stimulated IEC-6 migration. RESULTS LPA administration stimulated intracellular calcium mobilization in a dose-dependent fashion with typical peak and plateau phases suggestive of a receptor-mediated response. Actin stress fiber formation occurred within 15 min after LPA treatment and was especially apparent at 2 h. This response was accompanied by higher actin and FAK protein levels. LPA also stimulated IEC-6 migration 3-fold within 24 h. All of these effects were completely inhibited by pertussis toxin. CONCLUSIONS Exposure of IEC-6 cells to LPA results in significant calcium mobilization and cytoskeletal remodeling within minutes. This activity is accompanied by increased actin and FAK levels. Cellular migration is significantly enhanced by LPA. These responses seem to be due to pertussis-sensitive G-protein-associated receptors. The ability of LPA to potentiate intestinal cell restitution appears, in part, to be mediated by effects on intestinal cell cytoskeletal structure.
Altered thyroid function in nonthyroidal illness and surgery. To treat or not to treat?

Changes in pituitary–thyroid function occur in patients with virtually all illnesses and those undergoing major surgical procedures. Although such changes are referred to as the euthyroid sick syndrome, the key changes — namely, decreases in serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations — have multiple causes, vary considerably in different patients, and very likely have different effects on different tissues. Although we have generally assumed that the decreases have no pathophysiologic consequences, it is by no means clear that the patients are in fact euthyroid. The most common change is a decrease in extrathyroidal conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine, the active form .
A Pedagogical Note on Risk Framing

This article presents several classroom games that help illustrate the effect of risk framing on choices under uncertainty. These games are presented in the context of Kahneman and Tversky's prospect theory that is an alternative to the traditional expected utility theory. Expected utility theory is a prescriptive model of decision making that explains how people should react to risk, while prospect theory is a descriptive model that explains how people actually do react to risk. These classroom games can be used in introductory risk management courses, insurance courses, and financial risk management courses to help students to understand the effect of context on choices made under uncertainty. Although results from actual classroom experiments are included, these results are not meant to be indicative of normal results but are rather illustrative of the type of results that may arise when alternative framing contexts are used.
On synthesizing natural-sounding speech by linear prediction

In speech analysis and synthesis based on linear prediction, it is a common assumption that predictor coeffcients contain all the necessary spectral and phase information for accurate synthesis of the speech signal. However, even under the best circumstances, the synthetic speech sounds unnatural to the critical listener. Subjective tests reveal that spectral errors introduced by the linear prediction analysis techniques are a major source of unnatural sound quality in synthetic speech. This paper describes a modified analysis-synthesis procedure which, although relying on the basic LPC technique for analysis and synthesis, avoids spectral amplitude and phase distortions introduced by these techniques. In new method, proper reproduction of speech spectrum at the receiver is ensured by transmitting the short-time spectrum of prediction residual to the receiver.
Cadmium-Sensitive, cad1 Mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana Are Phytochelatin Deficient

An allelic series of cad1, cadmium-sensitive mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, was isolated. These mutants were sensitive to cadmium to different extents and were deficient in their ability to form cadmium-peptide complexes as detected by gel-filtration chromatography. Each mutant was deficient in its ability to accumulate phytochelatins (PCs) as detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and the amount of PCs accumulated by each mutant correlated with its degree of sensitivity to cadmium. The mutants had wild-type levels of glutathione, the substrate for PC biosynthesis, and in vitro assays demonstrated that each of the mutants was deficient in PC synthase activity. These results demonstrate conclusively the importance of PCs for cadmium tolerance in plants.