Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
‘From weird to wired’: MPs, the internet and representative politics in the UK

Westminster MPs have regularly been criticised for their failure to take advantage of the democratic possibilities of the Internet, particularly in light of the continuing problems of engaging public interest in representative institutions. Yet, so far, there have been few studies of their online activities. This article examines the growth and function of UK MPs' websites and how far technology might facilitate changes in their constituency, party and parliament roles. The results indicate a significant growth over the past three years, although those with independent websites are still in a minority. It is also clear that personal factors (notably age), constituency factors, such as electoral marginality and the technological profile of the locality, as well as party factors all help explain patterns of MPs' activity online. For the most part, however, content analysis of sites reveals a rather static and cautious approach to web communication which represents a modernising rather than democratising strategy.
The Risk for Immediate Postoperative Complications After Pancreaticoduodenectomy Is Increased by High Frequency of Acinar Cells and Decreased by Prevalent Fibrosis of the Cut Edge of Pancreas

Objectives Soft pancreas is considered as a factor for pancreatitis after pancreaticoduodenectomy, which in turn constitutes a high risk for local complications. The aim was to analyze the proportion of different cell types in the cut edge of pancreas (CEP) in relation to postoperative pancreatitis and other complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods Data from postoperative follow-up was collected on 40 patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy. Positive urine trypsinogen-2, an early detector of pancreatitis, was checked on days 1 to 6 after operation. Drain amylase was measured on postoperative day 3. Anastomotic leakages, delayed gastric emptying, and other complications were registered. The areas of different cell types were calculated from the entire hematoxylin-eosin–stained section of CEP. Results High frequency of acinar cells in the CEP significantly increased positive urine trypsinogen-2 days, drain amylase values, and delayed gastric emptying. In a subgroup of patients with more than 40% acini in the CEP, there were significantly more postoperative complications. Increased fibrosis correlated with a small number of positive urine trypsinogen-2 days and postoperative complications. Conclusions A large number of acinar cells in the CEP increases, whereas extensive fibrosis in the CEP decreases, the risk for postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. These results emphasize the importance of acini in the development of postoperative complications.
Ubiquitination of pathogen-containing vacuoles promotes host defense to Chlamydia trachomatis and Toxoplasma gondii

Many intracellular bacterial and protozoan pathogens reside within host cell vacuoles customized by the microbial invaders to fit their needs. Within such pathogen-containing vacuoles (PVs) microbes procure nutrients and simultaneously hide from cytosolic host defense systems. Among the many PV-resident human pathogens are the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Immune responses directed against their PVs are poorly characterized. We reported that activation of host cells with IFNγ triggers the attachment of polyubiquitin chains to Toxoplasma- and Chlamydia-containing vacuoles and thereby marks PVs for destruction. In murine cells PV ubiquitination is dependent on IFNγ-inducible Immunity Related GTPases (IRGs). Human cells also decorate PVs with ubiquitin upon IFNγ priming; however, the molecular machinery promoting PV ubiquitination in human cells remains unknown and is likely to be distinct from the IRG-dependent pathway we described in murine cells. Thus, IFNγ-inducible PV ubiquitination constitutes a critical event in cell-autonomous immunity to C. trachomatis and T. gondii in mice and humans, but the molecular machinery underlying PV ubiquitination is expected to be multifaceted and possibly host species-specific.
Study of transients in measuring circuits for negative sequence currents based on using rogowski coils

The article describes transients caused by direct-on-line starting of induction motor occurring in the proposed measuring circuit for negative sequence currents based on Rogowski coils. Dynamic error of such circuit at balanced three-phase supply is evaluated. Features of transients at phase loss are studied. The advantages of the proposed measuring circuit over those based on current transformers in terms of mass, power consumption and dynamic performance are shown. The paper may be of interest for investigators and engineers engaged in research, design and commissioning of industrail protection and control equipment, and current measurement devices, as well as for undergraduate and postgraduate students involved in investigations of electrical engineering.
Traffic accidents, deaths and alcohol consumption

The main goal of this article is to analyse the relationship existing among prices of alcoholic beverages, alcohol consumption and traffic fatalities for the Spanish Autonomous Communities during the time interval 1998 to 2002. Among the main results, we highlight a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and traffic mortality rate. Basically, governments implement two kinds of policies to reduce the traffic mortality rate. One is oriented to control the supply of alcohol by increasing alcohol taxes. The other is oriented to preserve traffic security, increasing the number of sanctions for traffic rule infraction. We find evidence that both policies exert a positive influence in the reduction of traffic fatalities. There is no empirical evidence to indicate that being a novice driver increases the tendency to be involved in a mortal traffic accident.
Immunization with an antigen identified by cytokine tumor vaccine-assisted SEREX (CAS) suppressed growth of the rat 9L glioma in vivo.

We have reported previously that s.c. immunization of rats with IL-4 transduced 9L gliosarcoma cells (9L-IL-4) induced a potent antitumor immunity against intracranial, parental 9L tumors. Subcutaneous implantation of 9L-IL-4 influenced the systemic humoral response, which was demonstrated by Th2-type isotype-switching and the induction of cellular immune responses, which played a critical role in the rejection of tumors. Serological analyses of recombinant cDNA expression libraries (SEREX), has recently emerged as a powerful method for serological identification of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and/or tumor rejection antigens (TRAs). Because IL-4 is known to activate B cells and to promote humoral responses, and inasmuch as induction of humoral responses by central nervous system tumors has been reported to be minimal, we investigated whether the induction of a potent humoral immune response against 9L TAAs or TRAs in rats immunized s.c. with 9L-IL4 could be demonstrated. Screening of 5 x 10(5) independent clones of 9L-expression cDNA library for the presence of reactive antibodies in the serum from a 91-IL-4 immunized rat led to the identification of three different TAAs. One 9L TAA (clone 29) was demonstrated to be calcyclin, a member of the S-100 family of calcium-binding proteins. The second 9L TAA (clone 37) was demonstrated to be the rat homologue of the J6B7 mouse immunomodulatory molecule. The third TAA (clones 158 and 171) was determined to be the rat homologue of the mouse Id-associated protein 1 (MIDA1), a DNA-binding, protein-associated protein. Northern blotting demonstrated that message for calcyclin was overexpressed in 9L cells. Message encoding MIDA1 was highly expressed in parental 9L cells and thymus and, to a lesser degree, in testis, suggesting that MIDA1 was comparable with the cancer/testis category of TAAs. Sera obtained from animals bearing 9L-IL-4 were found to have a higher a frequency and titer of antibodies to these antigens when compared with sera obtained from rats bearing sham-transduced 9L (9L-neo) cells. To determine whether immunization with these TAAs induced antitumor immunity, animals were immunized by intradermal injection with expression plasmids encoding calcyclin or MIDA1. Subsequent challenge of rats with parental 9L resulted in significant suppression of tumor growth in animals immunized with MIDA1, but not with calcyclin. These results indicate that MIDA1 is an effective 9L TRA and will be useful for the investigation of specific antitumor immunity in this glioma model. Furthermore, these results suggest that this approach, termed "cytokine-assisted SEREX (CAS)," may serve as an effective strategy for identification of TRAs for in animal-glioma models of cytokine gene therapy, and potentially in humans undergoing cytokine gene therapy protocols as well.
Development, characterization and evaluation of doxorubicin nanostructured lipid carriers for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to develop an optimised formulation for a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) loaded with doxorubicin. METHODS A doxorubicin-loaded NLC was prepared using an emulsification solidification method. The Box-Behnken design response surface methodology was used to optimise formulations of the doxorubicin-loaded NLC. RESULTS The drug entrapment efficiency, drug loading efficiency, particle size, and zeta potential of the doxorubicin- loaded NLC were 74.18%, 13.28%, 170 nm, and -14.8 mV, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy of the optimised NLC showed spherical particles. Furthermore, the doxorubicin-loaded NLC was found to exhibit good therapeutic efficacy with remarkably improved oral bioavailability of doxorubicin. CONCLUSION The NLC system demonstrated potential for the targeted delivery of doxorubicin in prostate cancer.
The Free Fatty Acid Receptor G Protein-coupled Receptor 40 (GPR40) Protects from Bone Loss through Inhibition of Osteoclast Differentiation*

Background: Long chain fatty acids have been shown to activate the membrane-bound receptor GPR40. Results: GPR40 agonist alters bone-resorbing cell differentiation through inhibition of the NF-κB system. Conclusion: GPR40 exerts protective effects in vivo on bone tissue. Significance: GPR40 is a nutritional and therapeutic target opening up new avenues for clinical investigations in terms of metabolic and age-related bone disorders. The mechanisms linking fat intake to bone loss remain unclear. By demonstrating the expression of the free fatty acid receptor G-coupled protein receptor 40 (GPR40) in bone cells, we hypothesized that this receptor may play a role in mediating the effects of fatty acids on bone remodeling. Using micro-CT analysis, we showed that GPR40−/− mice exhibit osteoporotic features suggesting a positive role of GPR40 on bone density. In primary cultures of bone marrow, we showed that GW9508, a GRP40 agonist, abolished bone-resorbing cell differentiation. This alteration of the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation occurred via the inhibition of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway as demonstrated by decrease in gene reporter activity, inhibitor of κB kinase (IKKα/β) activation, inhibitor of κB (IkBα) phosphorylation, and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) expression. The GPR40-dependent effect of GW9508 was confirmed using shRNA interference in osteoclast precursors and GPR40−/− primary cell cultures. In addition, in vivo administration of GW9508 counteracted ovariectomy-induced bone loss in wild-type but not GPR40−/− mice, enlightening the obligatory role of the GPR40 receptor. Then, in a context of growing prevalence of metabolic and age-related bone disorders, our results demonstrate for the first time in translational approaches that GPR40 is a relevant target for the design of new nutritional and therapeutic strategies to counter bone complications.
Differential Interpretations and Trading Volume

Abstract This study provides evidence that differential interpretations are an important stimulus for speculative trading. We measure differential interpretations using data on analysts' revisions of forecasts of annual earnings after the announcement of quarterly earnings that are components of those annual earnings numbers. We find two conditions under which differential interpretations play a significant role in explaining trading. First, we present empirical evidence supporting Kandel and Pearson's (1995) argument that trading coincident with small price changes reflects investors' differential interpretations of information. This evidence is important because it is inconsistent with conventional models of trade that assume homogeneous interpretations. Second, we also find that differential interpretations explain a significant amount of the trading occurring in a sample where trading volume is higher than the (firm-specific) non-announcement period average. This result is consistent with informed traders acting on their differential interpretations when there is enough liquidity trading to help camouflage their own information-based trades. In sum, the study's results confirm Bachelier's (1900) intuition that differential interpretations are an important stimulus for trading.
The Middle-Atmosphere Hadley Circulation and Equatorial Inertial Adjustment

Abstract In the tropical middle atmosphere the climatological radiative equilibrium temperature is inconsistent with gradient-wind balance and the available angular momentum, especially during solstice seasons. Adjustment toward a balanced state results in a type of Hadley circulation that lies outside the “downward control” view of zonally averaged dynamics. This middle-atmosphere Hadley circulation is reexamined here using a zonally symmetric balance model driven through an annual cycle. It is found that the inclusion of a realistic radiation scheme leads to a concentration of the circulation near the stratopause and to its closing off in the mesosphere, with no need for relaxational damping or a rigid lid. The evolving zonal flow is inertially unstable, leading to a rapid process of inertial adjustment, which becomes significant in the mesosphere. This short-circuits the slower process of angular momentum homogenization by the Hadley circulation itself, thereby weakening the latter. The effect of the m.
Molecular characterization of the C‐glucosylation for puerarin biosynthesis in Pueraria lobata

C-glycosyltransferases (CGTs) are important enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis of the C-glycosides of flavonoids and isoflavonoids. Flavonoid CGTs have been molecularly characterized from several plant species; however, to date, no gene encoding an isoflavonoid CGT has been reported from any plant species. A significant example of an isoflavonoid C-glycoside is puerarin, a compound that contributes to the major medicinal effects of Pueraria lobata. Little is known about the C-glucosylation that occurs during puerarin biosynthesis. One possible route for puerarin synthesis is via the C-glucosylation of daidzein. This study describes the molecular cloning and functional characterization of a novel glucosyltransferase (PlUGT43) from P. lobata. Biochemical analyses revealed that PlUGT43 possesses an activity for the C-glucosylation of daidzein to puerarin; it shows activity with the isoflavones daidzein and genistein, but displays no activity towards other potential acceptors, including flavonoids. To validate the in vivo function of PlUGT43, the PlUGT43 gene was over-expressed in soybean hairy roots that naturally synthesize daidzein but that do not produce puerarin. The expression of PlUGT43 led to the production of puerarin in the transgenic soybean hairy roots, confirming a role for PlUGT43 in puerarin biosynthesis.
Psychic Distance and Australian Export Market Selection

The Uppsala internationalisation model developed the concept of psychic distance in the international business literature and proposed that firms select international markets based on ‘psychic proximity’. The actual operationalisation of psychic distance in research is usually undertaken by estimating or calculating in some fashion the real or perceived ‘differences' between the firm's environment and target countries. However this does not reflect the original definition of the concept which emphasised the importance of information flows from country market to firm. This paper first demonstrates the wide use of the ‘differences' measures in research and shows how that procedure is problematic. The paper suggests measuring psychic distance through not only differences between the firm and the target country but also other important measures of information flow. This is especially relevant to the Australian context where the country market selection of firms does not generally match country similarities. An information based measure of psychic distance is developed and is then applied to psychic distances between Australia and twenty five other countries. Actual Australian exporter behaviour in terms of international market selection supports the predictive powers of the new measure. Suggestions for future research are made.
Alcohol-Control Policies and Motor-Vehicle Fatalities

The purpose of this study is to estimate the effects of drunk driving deterrents and other alcohol related policies on drunk driving. The data set employed is an annual time-series of state cross-sections for the 48 contiguous states of the U.S. from 1982 through 1988. Total and alterative alcohol involved motor vehicle fatality rates, for the general population and for 18 to 20 year olds, are used as measures of drunk driving. The results indicate that the moat effective policies are increased beer taxes and mandatory administrative license actions. Maintaining the beer tax at its real 1951 value would have reduced fatalities by 11.5 percent annually, on average, during the sample period. A mandatory administrative license sanction of one year would have reduced fatalities by 9 percent. The next most effective policies are a 21 year old legal drinking age, preliminary breath test and dram shop laws and relatively large mandatory fines. These policies each reduce total fatalities by about 5 to 6 percent. No plea bargaining provisions and mandatory license sanctions upon conviction are also found to have some deterrent effect. Other drunk driving laws tested include mandatory jail sentences and community service options, illegal per se laws, and open container laws. None of these were found to have a deterrent effect on drunk driving.
Elevated serum myosin light chain I in influenza patients.

OBJECTIVE Myocarditis has been described as a complication of influenza. Patients with influenza may have symptoms and abnormal laboratory data (including chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, etc.) suggestive of myocarditis, although few observations have been made regarding the prevalence of asymptomatic myocardial injury. We investigated whether influenza can produce myocardial injury without cardiac symptoms. METHODS During the epidemic of influenza A (H3N2) from 1998 to 1999 in Japan, we examined possible cardiac muscle damage associated with influenza in patients without apparent clinical myocardial injury by measuring serum myosin light chain concentrations. PATIENTS Ninety-six influenza-positive patients (46 males and 50 females, average age 43.4 years) without impaired renal function were studied. RESULTS Of these patients, 11 (11.4%) had elevated serum myosin light chain I concentrations. CONCLUSION Asymptomatic myocardial injury may be present in patients with influenza even when they have no symptoms suggestive of myocardial injury.
Difficulties Prevent Jordanian Women Participation in Political Life in Light of Some Social Variables

This study dealt with the most important difficulties that prevent Jordanian women participation in political life, the study used a purposive sample consisted of 80 pioneers women in north region governate for the year 2011. A questionnaire consisted of four aspects that covers the difficulties prevent Jordanian women from participating in political life . The following conclusions were drawn from this study: the social, the cultural difficulties are the most important factors that prevent Jordanian women participation in political life. Finally and in light of the results the study came up with some recommendations such as: working on the awareness of society to change its believes regarding women participation on political life and to work on improving the economical situation of the women (economical empowerment).
Managerial Ownership, Incentive Contracting and the Use of Zero-Cost Collars and Equity Swaps by Corporate Insiders

Zero-cost collars and equity swaps provide insiders with the opportunity to hedge the risk associated with their personal holdings in the company's equity. Consequently, their use has important implications for incentive-based contracting and for understanding insider trading behavior. Our analysis indicates that these transactions generally involve high-ranking insiders and effectively reduce their ownership by about 25%, on average. Given the potential of these financial instruments to substantially alter the incentive alignment between managers and shareholders, we suggest that increasing the transparency of these transactions may provide valuable information to investors.
Spike-Based Convolutional Network for Real-Time Processing

In this paper we propose the first bio-inspired six layer convolutional network (ConvNet) non-frame based that can be implemented with already physically available spikebased electronic devices. The system was designed to recognize people in three different positions: standing, lying or up-side down. The inputs were spikes obtained with a motion retina chip. We provide simulation results showing recognition delays of 16 milliseconds from stimulus onset (time-to-first spike) with a recognition rate of 94%. The weight sharing property in ConvNets and the use of AER protocol allow a great reduction in the number of both trainable parameters and connections (only 748 trainable parameters and 123 connections in our AER system (out of 506998 connections that would be required in a frame-based implementation).
Exchange Rate Effects of Portfolio Shifts?

Using the Branson model as an example, this paper seeks to clarify the role of interest rate and exchange rate changes in asset market models. Focusing on short-term adjustments, it is shown that portfolio shifts mainly affect relative interest rates in different countries. Only to the extent that portfolio shifts lead to changes in the money demand or money supply, are exchange rates affected as well. The announcement of German monetary union in 1990 is used as an example to illustrate the relative significance of interest rate changes as shock absorbers.
SEQUENTIAL ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN VINBLASTINE‐INDUCED CELL DEATH OF SECRETORY AMELOBLASTS OF RAT INCISORS IN VIVO

Secretory ameloblasts in the continuously growing incisors of the rat were used to study the sequential changes in a mature cell type degenerating after administration of vinblastine at a dosage of 2 mg per kg body weight. In less than half an hour nearly all microtubules vanished. This was succeeded by progressive displacement of the nuclei and disorganization of the cytoplasmic structure. After 1 to 3 hours attached and free polyribosomes were converted into monoribosomes. All these cytoplasmic changes were seen in viable as well as in necrotic cell. Between 5 and 6 1/2 hours after application of the drug degeneration of nuclei began; these changes from the outset indicated that a particular ameloblast had been drawn into a sequence of events which would ultimately lead to its death. The progressive alterations of the nucleus and cytoplasm of the degenerating cells and the concurrent fragmentation and elimination of the fragments are described.