Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roles of acetate and phosphate in the successful storage of platelet concentrates prepared with an acetate‐containing additive solution

The development of a synthetic medium for platelet storage is an important goal in transfusion medicine. Its use would make large volumes of plasma available for fractionation and might improve the quality of platelets after storage. Several investigators have described successful storage in media containing acetate. The previous work of the authors showed that platelet concentrates (PCs) can be stored successfully for 5 days at 22 degrees C by using an additive solution (Seto sol) to replace 80 to 95 percent of the plasma usually employed as a suspending medium. Seto sol contains 23 mM (23 mmol/L) sodium acetate and 25 mM (25 mmol/L) sodium phosphate. The roles of acetate and phosphate in achieving successful platelet storage were studied in the work reported here. The concentration of acetate decreased linearly for 7 days at 0.61 +/− 0.11 mumol per day per 10(9) platelets in parallel with the disappearance of 1–14C or 2–14C acetate. There was no disappearance of tritiated acetate from PCs or of 1–14C acetate from platelet‐free mixtures of plasma and Seto sol, which suggests that the disappearance of 14C acetate from PCs reflected oxidation to CO2, which could leave PCs through the walls of the plastic container. Since O2 consumption was 1.47 mumol per day per 10(9) platelets, and the oxidation of a molecule of acetate requires 2 molecules of oxygen, acetate oxidation accounted for approximately 85 percent of oxygen consumption by platelets. The pH of PCs stored in Seto sol was nearly constant for 7 days, whereas, without acetate, it fell to 6.4 +/− 0.1 on Day 5.It is known that the oxidation of one molecule of acetate produces one molecule of CO, and one molecule of bicarbonate. Indeed, in PCs in Set0 sol, there was an elevation of bicarbonate concentration of 1.4 mEq per L by Day 3, which suggests bicarbonate production. Thus, acetate acts as both a substrate for oxidative meta‐ bolism and a source of buffer. However, in 5 of 11 PCs stored in Set0 sol without phosphate, the pH dropped to 6.2 within 3 days. PCs that showed a drop in pH were those in which the content of plasma carryover during PC preparation was less than 12.5 percent of the suspending medium. It appears that a buffer system in addition to that provided by acetate is necessary to the maintenance of platelet integrity during storage when plasma carryover is low.
From the Southern-European model to nowhere: the evolution of Italian capitalism, 1976–2011

Before the 1980s Italy had the typical institutional configuration of Southern European capitalism: an important role for the state in controlling production activities and markets; limited social security; and high employment protection. In the last 30 years, Italian capitalism underwent a process of institutional change moving away from this configuration. The deepest reforms occurred in the 1990s and aimed to achieve a more market-oriented economy to cope with European market integration. Reforms, however, did not succeed in moving the economy towards a ‘liberal market economy’: they simply increased laissez-faire without achieving better co-ordination through markets, leaving Italy with an inefficient model.
AN EVALUATION OF PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT CONGESTION PRICING AND TOLLS. FINAL RESEARCH REPORT

The two primary objectives of the research were (1) to assess public attitudes in the Puget Sound Region toward tolls, congestion pricing, and other forms of market-based transportation pricing (e.g., gas taxes, VMT charges, parking fees) and (2) to explore various ways to present information to the public so that people will feel adequately informaed to decide whether to support pricing system. A third objective that developed out of early research stages was to measure how the level of acceptance of pricing changes (for or against) as understanding increases.
Regulation of choroid development by the retinal pigment epithelium.

PURPOSE The choroidal vasculature is essential for normal retinal function. However, mechanisms that control choroid development are unknown. In the present study, we provide evidence that the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an essential role in regulation of the choroid development in the mouse eye. METHODS Transgenic mice that transiently express FGF9 in the embryonic RPE were generated. Postnatal eyes were analyzed by histology and in situ hybridizations. RESULTS In the transgenic mice, most of the RPE was converted to neural retina. The choroid formed only in regions where patches of RPE were present. The choroid failed to develop in the absence of the RPE. CONCLUSIONS The presence of the RPE appears to be required for choroid development, suggesting that molecular interactions between RPE and periocular mesenchyme are essential for melanocyte differentiation and vascular development in the choroid.
Human adenovirus serotypes 3 and 5 bind to two different cellular receptors via the fiber head domain

The adenovirus fiber protein is responsible for attachment of the virion to cell surface receptors. The identity of the cellular receptor which mediates binding is unknown, although there is evidence suggesting that two distinct adenovirus receptors interact with the group C (adenovirus type 5 [Ad5]) and the group B (Ad3) adenoviruses. In order to define the determinants of adenovirus receptor specificity, we have carried out a series of competition binding experiments using recombinant native fiber polypeptides from Ad5 and Ad3 and chimeric fiber proteins in which the head domains of Ad5 and Ad3 were exchanged. Specific binding of fiber to HeLa cell receptors was assessed with radiolabeled protein synthesized in vitro, and by competition analysis with baculovirus-expressed fiber protein. Fiber produced in vitro was found as both monomer and trimer, but only the assembled trimers had receptor binding activity. Competition data support the conclusion that Ad5 and Ad3 interact with different cellular receptors. The Ad5 receptor distribution on several cell lines was assessed with a fiber binding flow cytometric assay. HeLa cells were found to express high levels of receptor, while CHO and human diploid fibroblasts did not. A chimeric fiber containing the Ad5 fiber head domain blocked the binding of Ad5 fiber but not Ad3 fiber. Similarly, a chimeric fiber containing the Ad3 fiber head blocked the binding of labeled Ad3 fiber but not Ad5 fiber. In addition, the isolated Ad3 fiber head domain competed effectively with labeled Ad3 fiber for binding to HeLa cell receptors. These results demonstrate that the determinants of receptor binding are located in the head domain of the fiber and that the isolated head domain is capable of trimerization and binding to cellular receptors. Our results also show that it is possible to change the receptor specificity of the fiber protein by manipulation of sequences contained in the head domain. Modification or replacement of the fiber head domain with novel ligands may permit adenovirus vectors with new receptor specificities which could be useful for targeted gene delivery in vivo to be engineered.
Optimal Credit Ratings

In this paper, we show that an individual optimal credit rating exists for firms and empirically test whether firms strive to achieve their optimal rating. For this purpose, we consider the structural model by Leland [12], which balances the benefits of debt in the form of the tax-deductibility of interest payments against bankruptcy costs in order to obtain the optimal rating. Testable implications for both firms which have implemented their optimal rating and firms with non-optimal ratings are deduced. An empirical test with 420 firms contained in the S&P 500 Index indicates that all factors which theoretically drive optimal ratings also affect the observed rating in the predicted way. In line with our theory, observed ratings can be considerably better explained if, in addition to the traditional factors such as leverage and firm size, a proxy for bankruptcy costs and the default probability related to the optimal rating is considered. These findings suggest that U.S. firms contained in the S&P 500 Index strive to achieve their optimal credit ratings.
High Ankle Sprains and Syndesmotic Injuries in Athletes

Treatment of athletes with ligamentous injuries of the tibiofibular syndesmosis can be problematic. The paucity of historic data on this topic has resulted in a lack of clear guidelines to aid in imaging and diagnosing the injury, assessing injury severity, and making management decisions. In recent years, research on this topic has included an abundance of epidemiologic, clinical, and basic science investigations of syndesmotic injuries that are purely ligamentous or associated with ankle fracture. Several classification systems can be used to classify ligamentous injury to the syndesmosis. These systems integrate clinical and radiographic findings but do not address the location of the injury or its severity. Injury to the syndesmosis can be purely ligamentous; however, many unstable syndesmotic injuries are associated with fractures. Nonsurgical management can be used for stable ligamentous injuries without frank diastasis, but surgical management, including screw or suture-button fixation, is indicated for fractures with unstable syndesmotic injuries.
True and Fair View Revisited – A Reply to Alexander and Nobes

Abstract This paper is a response to the critical comments of Alexander (2006) and Nobes (2006) on our article on revenue recognition, which was published last year in this journal (Wüstemann and Kierzek, 2005). While Alexander primarily objects to our statement that there is a ‘requirement of legal certainty in the European Union’, Nobes challenges our interpretation of the true and fair view principle and its role in the endorsement and application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the EU. We rebut Alexander's objections by providing references, which evidence that the principle of legal certainty represents a fundamental concept of Community law. We refute Nobes' counterarguments by inferring from the objective of the IAS Regulation and the purpose of the endorsement mechanism that a common meaning of the true and fair view principle must exist in the EU, that IFRS should only become applicable in the EU if they are not contrary to this ‘European’ true and fair view principle and that the true and fair view principle should also be considered in the application of IFRS in the EU, particularly in the choice of accounting policies for unregulated issues.
A study on intellectual capital disclosure determinants in the European context

The difference between the book value of the company and the market value, which is constantly increasing, motivates many researchers to identify the missing information from financial statements. This accounting incapacity shows that the human and organisational factors replace technical and industrial capital. Consequently, European multinational companies are developing disclosure strategies about intellectual capital. The central question of this paper is on this observation: what motivates European companies to communicate on intellectual capital components which exceed or complete accounting disclosure? A multivariate regression analysis tests the link between the intellectual capital disclosure and firm's characteristics. The study's results show that size, intangible contributions in the balance sheet, indebtedness, performance, multinationality, sector and the auditor type appear to influence the intellectual capital disclosure in a significant manner. This research sets up indicators used in formulating the communication norms.
Sexual health knowledge and practices and STI/HIV prevalence among long-distance truck drivers in Peru

Objectives: HIV and other sexually transmitted infections remain a challenge globally and many key groups have yet to be studied. Evidence shows that truck drivers may have high-risk behaviors and higher sexually transmitted infection/HIV prevalence because they are a highly mobile population. However, there is little to no information on this group in Peru. Therefore, we explored the sexual health knowledge and practices and carried out sexually transmitted infection/HIV testing among male truck drivers and their assistants in Peru. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing cell phone-based behavioral surveys and sexually transmitted infection testing, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, with truck drivers and their assistants who were traveling on two major international highways in Peru. Results: A total of 1150 truck drivers and assistants participated. Participants were middle-aged men (average age = 39.8 years), 96.0% had complete secondary education, 78.4% were in stable relationships, and 88.7% earned more than minimum wage. The majority were aware of sexually transmitted infections/HIV, but very few recognized sexually transmitted infection symptoms. Few participants (under 5%) reported recent sexually transmitted infection symptoms. Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections was also low: no one had gonorrhea; 0.1% had HIV; 0.4% had recent syphilis infection (rapid plasma reagin ≥1:8); and 2.0% had chlamydia. The prevalence of these diseases is not different from that of the general population in Peru. Conclusion: When compared to other truck drivers worldwide, Peruvian truck drivers appear to have a lower risk of HIV/sexually transmitted infections. This may be since Peruvian drivers are older, more educated, have higher income, and spend fewer days away from home than their peers globally.
A dipole pattern in the Indian and Pacific oceans and its relationship with the East Asian summer monsoon

This study demonstrates a robust relationship between the Indo-Pacific warm pool (IPWP) and North Pacific Ocean dipole (IPOD) and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) using observational datasets and sensitivity tests from the Community Atmosphere Model version 3.1 of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The IPOD, which is a significant pattern of boreal summer SSTA in the Indian and Pacific oceans characterized by positive (negative) sea-surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in the North Pacific and negative (positive) SSTA in the IPWP, appears around May, intensifies in the following months, and weakens in September. In summers with a positive IPOD phase, the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) weakens and shrinks with the axis of the WPSH ridge moving northwards, which favours an intensified EASM and a decrease in summer rainfall in the Yangtze River valley, and vice versa.
Dynamic and Responsive Firm Strategy

Abstract Since the opening of China in 1980, Hong Kong manufacturing industries collaborated with China manufacturing industries to maintain a low-cost labor intensive strategy. The strategy seems to be sufficient in maintaining the global competitive advantage of Hong Kong for the past two decades. However, with the rapid organizational learning of the Chinese partner and the reluctance of the Hong Kong partner to upgrade technology, Hong Kong manufacturing industries are facing the risk of potential loss of competitive advantages. This article attempts to review this dynamic evolution of HK/China collaborations and suggest some future actions for Hong Kong manufacturing industries to maintain their competitiveness. At the same time, the article also provides some ideas for global investors to rethink their future firm strategies in China.
Local Externalities and Ownership Choices in Foreign Acquisitions by Multinational Enterprises

Abstract This article assesses the influence of spatial heterogeneity on the entry mode by multinational enterprises (MNEs) in foreign markets. Focusing on acquisitions, we claim that the location of the target firm influences the MNE’s ownership choice. MNEs normally execute partial acquisitions to reduce their liability of foreignness and to preserve their target’s inherent competencies, particularly in highly innovative and internationally competitive sectors. However, this phenomenon occurs less frequently if target firms are located in areas that are characterized by relevant externalities, such as core cities and industrial districts. In particular, core cities allow foreign MNEs to access a variety of information and knowledge as well as other externalities that are associated with international interconnectedness; industrial districts provide MNEs with easier access to industry-specific agglomeration economies (a local pool of skilled labor, local input-output linkages, and local knowledge spillovers). These locations provide substitutes for different aspects of the target firm’s competences, thus reducing an MNE’s need to maintain a local partner. Empirical evidence from foreign acquisitions of local manufacturing firms that occurred in Italy during the 2001–10 period confirms these expectations.
SCHOOL CHOICE AND EQUITY: CURRENT POLICIES IN OECD COUNTRIES AND A LITERATURE REVIEW

This report discusses the most relevant issues concerning school choice schemes, and how they intertwine with equity considerations, through a literature review and analysis of the effects different types of school choice programmes have on equity. In the last 25 years, more than two-thirds of OECD countries have increased school choice opportunities for parents. The empirical evidence reviewed here reveals that providing full parental school choice results in further student segregation between schools, by ability, socio-economic and ethnic background, and in greater inequities across education systems. The report identifies certain characteristics of programmes that can prevent schools from hand-picking their students - crowding out disadvantaged and low performing students. As school choice is here to stay, countries should explore choice designs that balance parents’ freedom to choose with equity considerations: this report develops two particular schemes: controlled choice programmes – also called flexible enrolment schemes – and weighted funding formula.
Economic Perspectives on Privatization

Despite being one of the most fundamental issues in political economy, the question of the appropriate boundary between public and private enterprise received relatively little attention in mainstream economic analysis until quite recently. In the 1980s, however, programs of ownership reform were started in many developed and developing countries. Dramatic though some of these policies have been, they are likely to be overshadowed in the 1990s by even greater privatization in the reforming socialist economies. The opening sections of this paper are organized around three broad and interrelated questions. How does ownership matter for the efficiency of enterprise performance? What is the role for privatization in financing public debts and deficits? What are the distributional and political implications of privatization? Finally we examine privatization in practice in three countries: Britain, Chile, and Poland.
Components of Comprehensive Income and Statement of Changes in Equity: An Analysis of Public Companies’ Reporting Practices in Poland and Germany

Abstract Purpose: Identification of methods for presenting the components of other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity in the reporting practices of public companies in Poland and Germany. Methodology: A study of domestic and foreign literature was conducted with analysis of annual reports of public companies. The study followed the method of induction and to analyse the results, the structure similarity index was used. Results: The results of the study supported conclusions that the companies under study had not developed a uniform presentation of the components of comprehensive income in their statements of changes in equity. Five options of presenting the components of other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity were identified. Companies both from the WIG 30 and DAX indices most frequently presented the statement of changes in equity in option 1, which consisted of presenting the total comprehensive income item in a row and detailed items of equity in columns in which capital gains and losses were recognized. The differentiated forms of presenting the components of comprehensive income made it difficult to compare financial statements. Scope of research: The survey examined the annual reports of the largest Polish and German public companies respectively from the WIG 30 and DAX indices. The components of other comprehensive income presented in the statements of changes in equity were the main subject of the study. Originality: Comparative studies on the presentation of the components of other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity by public companies in Poland and Germany have not yet been conducted. This was therefore the research gap addressed in this study.
A note on return distribution of UK stock indices

The aim of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on the statistical distributions of returns on 32 UK sector indices as well as the FTSE-All and the FTSE-100 indices. These data are modelled for several holding periods, ranging from one day to one quarter, using symmetric stable Paretian distributions and their characteristic exponents are estimated. Numerical results suggest that both short and long horizon returns are non-normal and that deviation from normality is stronger for short horizon returns, with the exception of few sectors. In sum, these results suggest that asset pricing and risk management models, among others, should be modified to take into account departures form normality.
Proteasome-mediated Proteolysis of the Polyglutamine-expanded Androgen Receptor Is a Late Event in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA) Pathogenesis*

Background: Polyglutamine-expanded androgen receptor forms nuclear inclusions of cleaved AR. Results: Soluble aggregates and insoluble inclusions of polyglutamine-expanded AR contain full-length AR, which becomes proteolyzed by the proteasome within maturing inclusions. Conclusion: Proteolysis of the mutant AR is a late event in pathogenesis. Significance: Therapeutic strategies for SBMA should target pathogenic events involving full-length AR protein. Proteolysis of polyglutamine-expanded proteins is thought to be a required step in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. The accepted view for many polyglutamine proteins is that proteolysis of the mutant protein produces a “toxic fragment” that induces neuronal dysfunction and death in a soluble form; toxicity of the fragment is buffered by its incorporation into amyloid-like inclusions. In contrast to this view, we show that, in the polyglutamine disease spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, proteolysis of the mutant androgen receptor (AR) is a late event. Immunocytochemical and biochemical analyses revealed that the mutant AR aggregates as a full-length protein, becoming proteolyzed to a smaller fragment through a process requiring the proteasome after it is incorporated into intranuclear inclusions. Moreover, the toxicity-predicting conformational antibody 3B5H10 bound to soluble full-length AR species but not to fragment-containing nuclear inclusions. These data suggest that the AR is toxic as a full-length protein, challenging the notion of polyglutamine protein fragment-associated toxicity by redefining the role of AR proteolysis in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy pathogenesis.
Sensor dependency in efficient fingerprint image protection using selective JPEG2000 encryption

Biometric system security requires cryptographic protection of sample data under certain circumstances. We assess low complexity selective encryption schemes applied to JPEG2000 compressed fingerprint data by conducting fingerprint recognition on the selectively encrypted data. This paper specifically investigates the effect of considering different sensors for data acquisition and finds significant dependency of optimal encryption settings on the sensor employed.