Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D and the skin: an ancient friend, revisited

Abstract: Most vertebrates need vitamin D to develop and maintain a healthy mineralized skeleton. However, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], the biologically active vitamin D metabolite, exerts a multitude of important physiological effects independent from the regulation of calcium and bone metabolism. We know today that the skin has a unique role in the human body's vitamin D endocrine system. It is the only site of vitamin D photosynthesis, and has therefore a central role in obtaining a sufficient vitamin D status. Additionally, the skin has the capacity to synthesize the biologically active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3, and represents an important target tissue for 1,25(OH)2D3. In keratinocytes and other cell types, 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates growth and differentiation. Consequently, vitamin D analogues have been introduced for the treatment of the hyperproliferative skin disease psoriasis. Recently, sebocytes were identified as 1,25(OH)2D3‐responsive target cells, indicating that vitamin D analogues may be effective in the treatment of acne. Other new functions of vitamin D analogues include profound effects on the immune system as well as in various tissues protection against cancer and other diseases, including autoimmune and infectious diseases. It can be speculated that the investigation of biological effects of vitamin D analogues will lead to new therapeutic applications that, besides cancer prevention, may include the prevention and treatment of infectious as well as of inflammatory skin diseases. Additionally, it can be assumed that dermatological recommendations on sun protection and health campaigns for skin cancer prevention will have to be re‐evaluated to guarantee a sufficient vitamin D status.
Impact of Agency Issues on Australian REIT Performance

Abstract The study seeks to investigate agency issues in the context of AREITs through consideration of price increases and price decreases relative to CEO motivation by self interest and Board independence, controlled for sector and geographic portfolio weighting. Data for price increases in the period July 2006 to December 2006 and price decreases in the period October 2007 to March 2008 for the forty largest AREITs by market capitalization on 30th May 2008 was correlated against data for sectoral and geographic portfolio composition, CEO shareholding and four proxy variables for Board independence. Only 40% of the hypothesized correlations were found to be supported, with none of the hypothesized correlations between price increase or price decrease and related party shareholdings or extent to which an AREIT may be considered a family business found to be supported.
Measuring Equilibrium in the Balance of Payments

It is tempting to suggest that we should abolish balance-of-payments statistics. Two of the world's strongest currencies-the pound sterling prior to 1913 and the Swiss franc today-lacked a complete statement of the position. New York as a financial center has only a limited idea of the network of its financial flows vis-h-vis the rest of the country. Text- books insist that governmental authorities need balance-of-payments data to guide changes in monetary, fiscal, exchange, commercial, and other policies, although journalists and speculators seem to react to the data more sensitively than do governments. Realpolitik makes clear, however, that balance-of-payments figures are collected and published, and that it is impossible to discontinue the process. The question then is how to present them. The question arises particularly for a country-the United States- which has a large international financial role. It was the recognition of the importance of this role which started the process of recasting the definition of equilibrium which led to the "liquidity definition. " The liquidity defini- tion is easily attacked as appropriate to a firm which has inadvertently taken on substantial financial commitments, and quite inappropriate to an established financial center. The critic, however, is frequently met with the demand for a measure of his own. A growing number of economists insist that no one measure can be accepted. ' but this position again meets in- sistence on a single number by government, journalism, and the public.
Multinationals and human resource practices in Ireland: a rejection of the 'new conformance thesis'

In a previous edition of this journal, Turner et al. (1997a) claim that the industrial relations and human resource management practices of multinational companies operating in Ireland bear a close resemblance to those of indigenous firms. The advancement of this (new) conformance thesis stands in stark contrast to much recent work on Irish industrial relations. In this paper we criticize Turner et al.'s argument for its failure to appreciate and acknowledge the weight of evidence both internationally and in Ireland which points to the predominance of 'country-of-origin effects' over 'hostcountry effects', especially in countries characterized by weak industrial relations systems. We are also critical of the empirical basis of the 'new conformance thesis'. In analysing data from a recently conducted national workplace survey our doubts as to the empirical validity and generalizability of Turner et al.'s results are confirmed. In brief, the 'new conformance thesis' is refuted and the employment relations practices of foreign- and particularly US-owned establishments are shown to be very different from those of Irish workplaces.
European retail expansion in South East Asia

Considers the interest shown by European retailers in the markets of South East Asia and places this interest within the wider context of East Asian markets. European retailers’ interest in the region has been a feature of recent developments in international retailing. Charts the growing interest in the region and the relative attractions of different markets and critically evaluates the assumptions that are made about East Asian markets and suggests that a far more rigorous set of criteria should be employed when evaluating markets in the region. Evaluates the implications of the recent financial and economic crises on European retail investment in the region.
On the use of Reed-Solomon codes in Space-Time Coding

In this paper, we present an original use of Reed-Solomon (RS) codes as space-time block codes (STBCs) and compare them to orthogonal STBCs (OSTBCs). Due to their symbol structure, they can have a representation close to that of an STBC. RS codes are admittedly more complex to decode as they have no orthogonal properties. However, they offer much higher coding rates. In addition, a wide range of these codes can be easily generated. To decode them, we have developed a new algorithm using a sliding encoding-window (SEW), which is combined with the decoding-based Chase algorithm. We compare the RS(15,7) code to the Alamouti one, both having an equivalent coding rate. Its performance compared to Alamouti gets better as the receive diversity increases. Moreover, RS codes do not require the channel to remain constant over the code duration. In fact, they offer better results if the channel changes rapidly, which can be obtained virtually by introducing interleaving
Monetary and Fiscal Policy Rules in the EMU

Abstract This paper studies the design and effects of monetary and fiscal policy in the euro area. To do so, a stylized two-region model of monetary and fiscal policy rules in the EMU is built. We analyse how monetary and fiscal rules affect the adjustment dynamics in the model. Both the effects on the individual countries and on the EMU aggregate economy are studied. Three aspects play an important role in the analysis: (i) the consequences of alternative monetary and fiscal policy rules, (ii) the consequences of asymmetries between EMU countries (asymmetries in macroeconomic shocks and macroeconomic structures), and (iii) the role of alternative degrees of backward- and forward-looking behaviour in consumer decisions and inflation expectations.
RNA splicing, cell signaling, and response to therapies

Purpose of review PremRNA alternative splicing is more a rule than an exception as it affects more than 90% of multiexons genes and plays a key role in proteome diversity. Here, we discuss some recent studies published in the extensively growing field linking RNA splicing and cancer. Recent findings These last years, the development of high-throughput studies together with appropriate bioinformatic tools have led to the identification of new cancer-specific splicing patterns that allow to distinguish various cancer types, and provide new prognosis biomarkers. In addition, the functional consequences of hot spot mutations affecting various components of the spliceosome machinery in cancers have been described. As an example, missplicing of the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 histone methyltransferase premRNA in response to hot spot mutation of the splicing factor SRSF2 was found to participate to the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndrome. Moreover, proofs of principle that targeting the RNA splicing machinery can be used to correct aberrant missplicing, kill oncogene-driven cancer cells, or reverse resistance of tumor cells to targeted therapies have been done. As another example, the core spliceosomal function was recently found to be critical for the survival of Myc-driven breast cancer cells, rendering them hypersensitive to spliceosome inhibitors. Summary Dysregulation of premRNA alternative splicing appears to be one of the hallmarks of cancer. The characterization of novel splicing signatures in cancer as well as the identification of original signaling networks involving RNA splicing regulators should allow to decipher novel oncogenic mechanisms and to develop new therapeutic strategies.
Exploring Sustainable Consumption: Environmental Policy and the Social Sciences (review)

This book is a result of a series of seminars, sponsored by the UK Economic and Social Research Council, bringing together social scientists concerned about the environmental implications of consumption, and scholars from the aelds of anthropology and cultural studies. Academics and researchers are the authors of the thirteen chapters, so some concepts require thought, but to the credit of all concerned, the writing is accessible to a range of readers. The focus of “Exploring Sustainable Consumption” sits somewhere between other recent books.1 Its themes show that the authors understand that consumption is a key issue, yet they emphasize the historical and social contexts of a range of public policy options, as distinct from an assessment of the experience of policy implementation and what is needed to achieve sustainable consumption. Their beginning point is that policymakers and the community have been content to accuse corporations and industry generally for environmental problems. Yet the consumption patterns of the richest nations are mainly responsible for the creation of environmental impacts. In essence the editors make the case that to make any headway in moderating the environmental impacts of consumption, we cannot leave it to the technicians—rather, social processes have to make a substantial contribution. Overall their argument is that technological approaches, be they from economics or science/engineering, emphasize the supply side of society’s activities, rather than tackling the important consumer side. While the technological approaches have some contributions to make, tackling the consumption side is long over-due. The individual contributions have been grouped into eight parts. Following the Introduction, two chapters make up the “Politics of sustainable consumption. ” These provide the context for sustainable consumption, by discussing the evolution of environmental issues since the 1970s, and discussion of consumption and its management in the environmental policies of the European Union (indicating that these policies do little more than encourage techni-
A novel control method to improve the reliability of traction inverters for permanent magnet synchronous machines

In automotive applications system reliability is of major importance. The Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) of a traction system is a reliability and lifetime limiting factor due to the limited temperature cycle capability of its switching devices, commonly IGBT-modules. Temperature swings caused by varying load conditions on the motor cause mechanical stress in the switching modules due to change in power dissipation. This paper presents a novel control method, which achieves a reduction of temperature swing during low load conditions by increasing the conduction losses of the switching devices. A temperature controller increases the motor current without affecting the mechanical output power of the supplied motor. This is possible, as a specific motor torque and power can be achieved with different current values as long as certain lower and upper current limits are observed which are defined by system parameters and operation conditions.
Does Destination Image Influence the Length of Stay in a Tourism Destination?

This paper analyses the relationship between the image of a destination and demand duration, focusing specifically on Madeira. A seemingly unrelated discrete-choice duration model is adopted, with data from a questionnaire survey undertaken in 2008 on a sample of homeward-bound foreign individuals departing from Madeira's Funchal Airport. The paper discusses the policy implications of the research findings.
Design of Gate-All-Around Silicon MOSFETs for 6-T SRAM Area Efficiency and Yield

Gate-all-around (GAA) MOSFETs relevant for the 11.9-nm CMOS technology node are optimized with device dimensions following the scale length rule. Variability in transistor performance due to systematic and random variations is estimated with the aid of TCAD 3-D device simulations, for these well-tempered GAA structures. The tradeoff between read stability and write-ability of 6-T static RAM cell designs implemented with GAA MOSFETs with either square or rectangular nanowire channel regions is then investigated, and a calibrated transistor I-V compact model is used to estimate cell yield. The results indicate that a rectangular (thin and wide) channel design achieves the optimal balance between the read yield and write yield and hence provides for the lowest minimum cell operating voltage, estimated to be ~0.45 V, as well as smaller cell area.
Quantity Adjustment: Sine Qua Non of Keynes's Contribution

With few exceptions all paradigm changing contributions in the social sciences fall victim to multiple interpretations. These often dilute and obscure what made the contribution intellectually innovative. This is notably the case for Keynes and especially The General Theory. This paper argues that the core of Keynes's ‘game changing’ contribution was the analytical insight that market economies are demand-constrained, not relative price-constrained. It is from this core that all his other enduring insights flow, especially his treatment of uncertainty. The difference between demand-constrained analysis and the quantity adjustment it implies, and relative price-constrained analysis with its price adjustments, is analogous to the difference between Euclidian and non-Euclidian geometry. This paper demonstrates the implications of demand-constrained analysis and in doing so suggests why the mainstream of the economics profession was and is so loath to embrace it.
Background light and the contrast gain of primate P and M retinal ganglion cells.

Retinal ganglion cells projecting to the monkey lateral geniculate nucleus fall into two classes: those projecting to the magnocellular layers of the nucleus (M cells) have a higher contrast gain to luminance patterns at photopic levels of retinal illumination than those projecting to the parvocellular layers (P cells). We report here that this difference in luminance contrast gain between M and P cells is maintained at low levels of mean retinal illumination. In fact, our results suggest that in the mesopic and scotopic ranges of mean illumination, the M-cell/magnocellular pathway is the predominant conveyor of information about spatial contrast to the visual cortex.
Uric Acid Restores Endothelial Function in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes and Regular Smokers

Endothelial dysfunction is a characteristic finding in both patients with type 1 diabetes and in regular smokers and is an important precursor to atherosclerosis. The urate molecule has antioxidant properties, which could influence endothelial function. The impact of acutely raising uric acid concentrations on endothelial function was studied in eight men with type 1 diabetes, eight healthy regular smokers, and eight age-matched healthy control subjects in a randomized, four-way, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Subjects received 1,000 mg uric acid i.v. in vehicle, 1,000 mg vitamin C as a control antioxidant, vehicle alone, or 0.9% saline on separate occasions over 1 h. Forearm blood flow responses to intrabrachial acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were assessed using venous occlusion plethysmography. Responses to acetylcholine, but not sodium nitroprusside, were impaired in patients with diabetes (P < 0.001) and in smokers (P < 0.005) compared with control subjects. Administration of uric acid and vitamin C selectively improved acetylcholine responses in patients with type 1 diabetes (P < 0.01) and in regular smokers (P < 0.05). Uric acid administration improved endothelial function in the forearm vascular bed of patients with type 1 diabetes and smokers, suggesting that high uric acid concentrations in vivo might serve a protective role in these and other conditions associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Dissipative Phase Transitions

The transport properties of a quantum mechanical system coupled to an environment deviate sharply from those of the isolated system when the coupling exceeds a critical value. This effect is governed by a quantum phase transition, which takes place because the environment suppresses quantum fluctuations. This paper explains why dissipation leads to spontaneous symmetry breaking at T = 0, and how dissipative couplings stabilize superconductivity in Josephson junction arrays and nanowires.
Effects of oat bran and nutrition counseling on the lipid and glucose profile and anthropometric parameters of hypercholesterolemia patients

BACKGROUND In order to prevent chronic, non communicable disease, it is essential that lifestyle is modified to include a diet high in fiber. AIM To assess the effect oat bran (OB) in conjunction with nutrition counseling (NC) have on lipid and glucose profile, anthropometric parameters,quality of diet, and ingestion of ultraprocessed foods (UPF) and additives in hypercholesterolemia sufferers. METHOD This was a 90-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled, block-randomized trial undertaken on 132 men and women with LDL-c ≥ 130 mg/ dL. The participants were sorted into two groups: OB Group (OBG) and Placebo Group (PLG), and were given NC and 40g of either OB or rice flour, respectively. Lipid and glucose profile were assessed, as were the anthropometric data, quality of diet (Diet Quality Index revised for the Brazilian population - DQI-R) and whether or not UPF or additives were consumed. RESULTS Both groups showed a significant decrease in anthropometric parameters and blood pressure, as well as a significant reduction in total and LDL cholesterol. There was also an improvement in DQI-R in both groups and a decrease in consumption of UPF. Blood sugar, HOMA-IR and QUICKI values were found to be significantly lower only in the OBG. CONCLUSION Our findings in lipid profile and anthropometric parameters signify that NC has a beneficial effect, which is attributable to the improved quality of diet and reduced consumption of UPF. Daily consumption of 40 g of OB was found to be of additional benefit, in decreasing insulin-resistance parameters.
The great finnish famine in 1696–97

Abstract If the catastrophes of history were to be measured by the proportionate losses in population that they cause the suffering nation, then the disaster of the 1696–97 famine in Finland must be accounted one of the most dreadful in the history of Europe. The Black Death, according to recent calculations, carried off one-fifth of the population of England. Its ravages on the continent are estimated to have been proportionately greater1 but even so, it can hardly match in severity the events of the great famine year in Finland during which, it is customarily said, a quarter or even perhaps a third, of the country's population perished. Such an occurrence obviously constitutes a national calamity of the severest order and merits detailed investigation.
Strain and layout management in dual channel (sSOI substrate, SiGe channel) planar FDSOI MOSFETs

We fabricated Fully-Depleted (FD) nMOSFETs on strain-SOI substrates (sSOI), exceeding regular FDSOI devices by +20% in nMOS ON-state current (ION) and +18% in SRAM read current. For pMOSFETs on sSOI, the integration of Si0.57Ge0. 43 by the Ge-enrichment technique (in so-called sSGOI) is the solution to reach the performance of Si0.78Ge0. 22 channels built on SOI (SGOI) in terms of short channel hole mobility and ION. We analyse the layout effects in sSOI/sSGOI transistors, ring oscillators (ROs) and SRAMs for different Ge amounts and strains and report for the first time the carrier mobility in sSOI/sSGOI vs. the active length (Lac). Through a layout optimization, a high uniaxial strain can be created, boosting the carrier mobility in both sSOI/sSGOI by 10/20% and ensuring the scalability of the planar FDSOI architecture for the 10nm node.
Current State of Family Business Theory and Practice as Reflected in Family Business Review 1988—1997

Family Business Review (FBR) has made a significant contribution to the development of the field of family business. This article examines the evolution of the field as reflected in FBR since its inception and attempts to create a guide for future research and practice. It is suggested that more collaboration between academics and practitioners, along with more case studies and cross-cultural work could prove useful to develop increasingly better theory and enhance practice.
Plant-Derived Natural Products as Sources of Anti-Quorum Sensing Compounds

Quorum sensing is a system of stimuli and responses in relation to bacterial cell population density that regulates gene expression, including virulence determinants. Consequently, quorum sensing has been an attractive target for the development of novel anti-infective measures that do not rely on the use of antibiotics. Anti-quorum sensing has been a promising strategy to combat bacterial infections as it is unlikely to develop multidrug resistant pathogens since it does not impose any selection pressure. A number of anti-quorum sensing approaches have been documented and plant-based natural products have been extensively studied in this context. Plant matter is one of the major sources of chemicals in use today in various industries, ranging from the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food biotechnology to the textile industries. Just like animals and humans, plants are constantly exposed to bacterial infections, it is therefore logical to expect that plants have developed sophisticated of chemical mechanisms to combat pathogens. In this review, we have surveyed the various types of plant-based natural products that exhibit anti-quorum sensing properties and their anti-quorum sensing mechanisms.