Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monoclonal antibody to the crystal induced chemotactic factor from human neutrophils detects similar immunoreactive and biologically active protein in promyelocytic HL-60 cells.

The crystal induced chemotactic factor (CCF) is a protein released by human neutrophils (PMN-CCF) that phagocytize monosodium urate or calcium pyrophosphate crystals. This protein has been thought to play an important role in crystal induced arthritis. In the present report, a mouse hybridoma cell line A2900C2.12 which specifically secretes monoclonal antibody (MAb) to CCF has been developed. The antibody secreted by the cell line is mostly IgG2b and positive for both the light chains kappa and lambda. The MAb has been purified by affinity chromatography using a protein-A column. The purified MAb was found to be over 95% pure based on the results from SDS-PAGE. The MAb has been used to demonstrate that a leukotactic protein is released from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and promyelocytic HL-60 cells in response to a phagocytic or degranulating stimuli such as monosodium urate crystals or N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP), respectively. "Western blots" and silver nitrate staining of the purified leukotactic protein from PMNs and HL-60 cells show that these proteins have the same immunodeterminant site(s) and both appear to have a molecular weight (m.w.) of about 15,000. A simple purification protocol including immunoaffinity high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been described for purifying chemotactic proteins with the same antigenic determinant as the PMN-CCF.
A New Look at the Monday Effect

It is well documented that expected stock returns vary with the day of the week (the Monday or weekend effect). In this article, the authors show that the well-known Monday effect occurs primarily in the last two weeks (fourth and fifth weeks) of the month. In addition, the mean Monday return of the first three weeks of the month is not significantly different from zero. This result holds for most of the subperiods during the 1962-93 sampling period and for various stock return indexes. The monthly effect reported by Robert A. Ariel (1987) and Josef Lakonishok and Seymour Smidt (1988) cannot fully explain this phenomenon. Copyright 1997 by American Finance Association.
The evolution of sites of surgery

The shift to ambulatory surgery has taken decades. The history and causation of the move are complex. Key enablers are recounted. The complex interchange of ideas, and physicians, between Belfast and Boston was important in the development of relevant facilitating standards. US and UK governmental and hospital statistics in the increase of ambulatory surgery are presented. The transition of surgery away from hospitals was not all plain-sailing. Insurance companies, governments and hospital administrators hindered and then acquiesced. The shift to ambulatory surgery has not resulted in increased patient morbidity and mortality.
Purinergic Receptors Mediate Two Distinct Glutamate Release Pathways in Hippocampal Astrocytes*

The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) can mediate glutamate release from cultured astrocytes. Using patch clamp recordings, we investigated whether P2X7Rs have the same action in hippocampal astrocytes in situ. We found that 2- and 3-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)ATP (BzATP), a potent, although unselective P2X7R agonist, triggers two different glutamate-mediated responses in CA1 pyramidal neurons; they are transient inward currents, which have the kinetic and pharmacological properties of previously described slow inward currents (SICs) due to Ca2+-dependent glutamate release from astrocytes, and a sustained tonic current. Although SICs were unaffected by P2X7Rs antagonists, the tonic current was inhibited, was amplified in low extracellular Ca2+, and was insensitive to glutamate transporter and hemichannel inhibitors. BzATP triggered in astrocytes a large depolarization that was inhibited by P2X7R antagonists and amplified in low Ca2+. In low Ca2+ BzATP also induced lucifer yellow uptake into a subpopulation of astrocytes and CA3 neurons. Our results demonstrate that purinergic receptors other than the P2X7R mediate glutamate release that evokes SICs, whereas activation of a receptor that has features similar to the P2X7R, mediates a sustained glutamate efflux that generates a tonic current in CA1 neurons. This sustained glutamate efflux, which is potentiated under non-physiological conditions, may have important pathological actions in the brain.
Distribution of Firms by Size: Observations and Evidence from Selected Countries

It is commonly remarked that Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of many different economies around the world, but the extent to which such national trends form part of a quantifiable larger global pattern has rarely, if ever, been examined. It is not unusual to hear business leaders, elected officials, public policymakers and researchers in a given region claim that small businesses represent a surprisingly large share of the local economy. They typically argue that SMEs constitute the majority of all firms, and have done so for an extended period of time. The claim is repeated across many national jurisdictions, but each statement is only ever considered in isolation. Few attempts have been made to compare the proportionate distribution of SMEs in one nation-state with those in other jurisdictions. Large-scale trends, however, are often the aggregate sum of many local occurrences. Is it possible that what seems to be an isolated regional phenomenon is, in fact, a common pattern across much of the world? This paper examines the number of micro, small, medium and large-sized enterprises from a selection of different countries. Using definitions and data provided by the national statistical agency in each nation, it seeks to compare the relative proportion of firms by size, and to determine if there are any common patterns. It then suggests some indicative theories about SME distribution for future research to test.
Welfare Implications of an Emission-Neutral Trade and Environmental Tax Reform

This paper examines the welfare effects of a trade tax reduction and an environmental tax increase that fix the domestic emission. The proposed reform is shown to improve welfare of a small country. In the large-country case, it improves domestic welfare if the initial trade tax is higher than the optimal level while the trading country gains from it due to its terms of trade improvement. These results suggest that trade liberalization and environmental protection under environmental agreements are compatible with each other.
A POSITIVE THEORY OF INFLATION AND INFLATION VARIANCE

Empirically, inflation and the variance of inflation are positively associated. This paper develops a model that provides a potential explanation for this relationship in terms of the incentives facing the policymaker in a "discretionary equilibrium. " The model can also account for an empirical association between inflation and measures of real output instability. There is, however, no direct causal link whatever from the average rate of inflation to either the variance of inflation or that of real output. Copyright 1989 by Oxford University Press.
Efficient data gathering and position dissemination protocols for heterogeneous vehicle ad hoc and sensor networks

Data gathering and localization algorithms for vehicular ad hoc networks (VANets) are envisioned as key technologies for the near future. These technologies will pave the way for a number of potential applications that required precise positioning information that GPS systems are not able to provide. However, high mobility of vehicles in a VANet introduces frequent topology changes that negatively affect existing solutions and poses significant challenges to developing effective localization and data gathering mechanisms. In this paper, we propose a new data gathering and localization dissemination protocol that uses an existing time-space synchronization technique to efficiently collect data from heterogeneous networks composed of wireless sensor nodes and vehicles in a VANet. Localization information is disseminated from vehicles to sensor nodes, which can compute their positions without the need of energy-hungry GPS modules. The focus of this paper is to provide a mechanism that is able to simultaneously collect data from the nodes, relay data to interested nodes, and to disseminate localization information that will aid the nodes to estimate their positions.
The 'Ostrich Effect' and the Relationship between the Liquidity and the Yields of Financial Assets

This article documents that government T-bills provided a higher yield to maturity than an equally risky illiquid asset (bank deposits) in Israel. The difference between the return on the liquid asset relative to the illiquid asset is higher in periods of greater uncertainty. This cannot be attributed to taxes, risk, or transaction costs. We suggest that the observed puzzle is due to the positive correlation between liquidity and the flow of market information. We use the term "ostrich effect" to describe investor behavior, since ostriches are believed to treat apparently risky situations by pretending they do not exist.
European and National Identities in the Eu's Old and New Member States: Ethnic, Civic, Instrumental and Symbolic Components

In this paper we empirically test three of the most significant theories about the emergence of a European identity. The three approaches considered here are, respectively: first, a "cultural" theory, which understands identities as being based on ethno-cultural factors generated through a long-term (historical) process; second, an "instrumental" theory, which conceives of identities as being based on self-interested calculation (whether economic or political); and a third "civic" theory, which understands identities as being based on agreement over rules for peaceful political co-existence. Our empirical test of these theories exploits Eurobarometer data. In recent years, many researchers have become increasingly dissatisfied with the way these surveys poll attitudes towards the EU. We have contributed to this debate by designing special new questions to measure national and European identities which were included in Eurobarometer 57.2 and are used here for this analysis. Our results provide only partial support for the theories mentioned above. We find that national and European identities are compatible. This is, in part, because while national identities are largely "cultural", European identities are primarily "instrumental". However, we also find that there is a sufficient European common "cultural" ground for a European identity to emerge. We have also confirmed that, because national and European identities are different, the development of a European identity does not necessarily imply the transfer of loyalties from the national to the supranational level. In all the countries analysed here, attachment to the nation remains strong, and certainly greater than attachment to Europe. We also show that it is harder for a European identity to develop in countries with a strong sense of national pride.
Arthroscopic Soft Tissue Procedures for Anterior Shoulder Instability

Background: Arthroscopy has rapidly transformed the treatment of anterior shoulder instability over the past 30 years. Development of arthroscopic equipment has permitted the investigation and diagnosis of the unstable shoulder, and fixation methods have evolved to promote arthroscopy from an experimental procedure to one of first-line mainstream treatment. Methods: Key research papers were reviewed to identify the fundamental principles in patient diagnosis and appropriate selection for arthroscopic treatment. The evolution of arthroscopy is described in this article to facilitate the understanding of current treatment. Results: Accurate diagnosis of the shoulder instability subtype is essential prior to selection for surgery. Different surgical techniques are described to address different pathology within the glenohumeral joint related to instability and the appropriate method should be selected accordingly to optimise outcome. Conclusion: Anterior shoulder instability can be treated successfully using arthroscopic surgery, but the surgeon must treat each patient as an individual case and recognise the different subtypes of instability, the associated pathological lesions and the limitations of arthroscopy. The article concludes with a suggested algorithm for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability.
Cyclin gene amplification and overexpression in breast and ovarian cancers: Evidence for the selection of cyclin D1 in breast and cyclin E in ovarian tumors

Evidence of the involvement of cyclin genes in genetic alterations in human cancer is growing. In the present study, we investigated the amplification, in human breast and ovarian cancer, of 5 cyclin genes; cyclin A, cyclin D1, cyclin D2, cyclin D3 and cyclin E. For this purpose, a series of 1,171 breast and 237 ovarian tumors tested for DNA amplification by Southern blotting and a subset of 132 breast and 22 ovarian cancers were analyzed for RNA expression levels by slot‐blot and Northern blotting. In breast tumors, only cyclin D1 was found to be activated in a sizeable fraction of the tumors (amplification 12.6%, overexpression 19%). Cyclin A, D2, D3, and E genes never, or only on rare occasions, showed increased DNA copy numbers and were never found overexpressed at the RNA level. Amplification of cyclin D1 correlated with ER+ breast cancer and the presence of lymph‐node metastasis. Interestingly, we were also able to determine an association with invasive lobular carcinoma. Our data suggest that cyclin D1 activation determines the evolution of a particular subset of estrogen‐responsive tumors. Data obtained in ovarian tumors contrasted with observations in breast cancer. Cyclin D1 DNA amplification was much less frequent in ovarian than in breast tumors (3.3% vs. 12.6%), whereas cyclin E amplification and overexpression were observed in a significant number of cases (12.5% and 18.0% respectively). Cyclin A, cyclin D2 and D3 rarely showed anomalies at the DNA level and were never overexpressed. No clear correlation could be observed between amplification of the cyclin E gene and tumor type, stage or grade in ovarian cancer. Data presented here suggest distinct pathways of cyclin activation in human breast and ovarian cancer. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What are the Local Political Costs of Centrally Determined Reforms of Local Government?

Abstract Taking advantage of a quasi-experimental setting and drawing upon analysis of electoral results and a survey of voters, this article explores the political costs of reform through the example of the 2009 local elections in Denmark. The article finds that the local parties of mayors were punished at the polls for implementing municipal amalgamations decided by the central government. However, the effect on the mayoral parties’ electoral result is more indirect than direct. Analyses of the electoral results demonstrates that the political parties holding the mayoralty in times of amalgamations tend to nominate very tenured mayors as candidates, thereby missing the positive first-term incumbency effect, which a new mayor could have acquired. And analyses of a survey of voters demonstrates higher levels of dissatisfaction with the municipal service in amalgamated municipalities, leading to a higher cost of ruling for mayoral parties which have led the implementation of an amalgamation.
A Pilot Study on the Effects of Almond Consumption on DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress in Smokers

Abstract: The effects of almond consumption on DNA damage and oxidative stress among cigarette smokers were studied. Thirty healthy adult male regular smokers were randomly divided into three groups, 10 subjects per group. Group A (control group) did not receive any almonds. Subjects in Groups B and C received 3 oz and 6 oz (84 g and 168 g) of almonds each day respectively for 4 wk. Two known biomarkers for DNA damage, urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) and single strand DNA breaks of peripheral blood lymphocytes, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and comet assay, respectively. In addition, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured as biomarkers for oxidative stress. The results showed lower levels of urinary 8-OH-dG and single strand DNA breaks in the two almond-treated groups as compared with the control group. Furthermore, MDA levels in the almond-treated groups were lower than the controls. However, no significant effects of almonds on SOD and GSH-Px activities were found. In conclusion, results from this pilot study indicate that almond consumption has preventive effects on oxidative stress and DNA damage caused by smoking. A larger, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial on almonds will be initiated in the near future.
Activation of upregulated angiotensin II type 2 receptors decreases carotid pulse pressure in rats with suprarenal abdominal aortic coarctation

Abstract Our aim was to determine whether angiotensin type 2 receptors (AT2R) are involved in the depression of carotid pulse pressure (PP) in rats with suprarenal aortic coarctation (SrC). We tested the effects of losartan, PD123319, and CGP42112 on PP in SrC and Sham-operated anesthetized rats. PP increased in SrC rats. Neither losartan nor PD123319 affected PP in SrC and Sham-operated rats. CGP42112 reduced PP, in SrC rats, combined with losartan. Moreover, PD123319 blocked this effect. AT2R protein increased in the thoracic aortas of SrC rats. Thus, upregulated AT2R stimulation by CGP42112 mediates depression of PP in rats under pressure overloading.
DEPRESSION AND DELIRIUM IN ELDERLY VETERANS 1 Symptoms of Depression as Indicators of Delirium in Elderly Hospitalized Veterans

Delirium is an acute syndrome characterized by the decline of cognitive functioning. However, due to overlapping symptomology, it may be difficult to distinguish symptoms of delirium from those of other disorders, including depression. Accordingly, delirium is often misdiagnosed as depression, especially among older adults. The purpose of the current investigation was to compare patterns of depressive symptoms in a sample of patients with delirium only, depression only, or no condition. Additionally, we aimed to account for potential antidepressant effects on depressive symptomology. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that dysphoric mood and anhedonia would be commonly occurring depressive features in participants with delirium. Depressive symptomology was assessed with the Symptom Checklist for Major Depressive Disorders (SCMDD; Kashani, McKnew, & Cytryn, 1985), modified to meet DSM-IV-TR criteria (APA, 2000) and delirium was evaluated using the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS; Breitbart et al., 1997) in 273 Veteran participants. Chi-square analyses found no significant differences in depressive symptom presence between the participants with delirium and the participants with depression or no condition. Additionally, there was no significant effect of antidepressant use on modified SCMDD performance. These results suggest an overlap between the symptoms of delirium and depression, and emphasize the importance of incorporating specific measures of delirium in the clinical setting, particularly for elderly patients.
Determination of the sticking probability of hydrocarbons on an amorphous hydrocarbon surface

The surface reactions of different energetic CHy molecules were studied using classical molecular dynamics. The sticking coefficient and the sputter yield of the different hydrocarbon species were studied for kinetic energies from 5 to 100 eV. Their dependence on the energy of the projectile and the angle of incidence are reported. Additionally, the results are compared with results from TRIM calculations on a similar system.
Approaching the best while avoiding the worst option: Consumer choice modeling via TOPSIS

Abstract Multi-attribute decision-making models are often employed for assessing consumer brand preferences. We introduce Hwang and Yoon’s (1981) Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodology from the field of decision sciences and empirically contrast it with Fishbein’s (1967) Multi-Attribute Attitude Model that is widely used in marketing. The Fishbein model assesses brand preferences by combining attribute belief ratings with their importance weights, while TOPSIS evaluates brands by optimizing their distances from positive and negative ideal solutions—a framework consistent with behaviors instigated by approach-avoidance motivations. The advantages and suitability of the TOPSIS method within consumer research are discussed.
Proteins and liver function changes in rats following cumulative total body irradiations.

OBJECTIVE Total body irradiation (TBI) is a choice therapy for the management of some malignancies; it is also a major cause of oxidative stress. The aim of this research is to sequentially document the effect of total body radiation on body function utilizing the sequential changes in liver function enzymes and proteins in rats. METHODS Serum protein and liver enzymes were assessed using kits in rats exposed to total body radiations of 1.27 Gy/minute in cumulative doses to the fourth radiation at five-day intervals. RESULTS Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and serum protein were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated with increasing radiation. No significant differences between experimental and control groups for bilirubin concentrations were noted at any time. Serum levels of albumin were significantly (p < 0.05) increased with the first to third radiation exposures but reduced at the fourth cumulative dose exposure. CONCLUSION Variations are associated with acute stress, inflammation which could be due to nonspecific stress reaction, while fluctuations could arise as a result of tolerance and repair within the liver These tests are significant for diagnosis of radiation-induced injury and can be important for evaluation of its severity and correct management.
Risk Factors of Intracranial Cerebral Atherosclerosis among Asymptomatics

Background: Little information is available regarding the risk factors for intracranial cerebral atherosclerosis (ICAS), particularly among asymptomatics. Methods: Data from a consecutive series of 1,208 subjects aged ≧40 years, with no history of stroke, and who had undergone transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) were collected prospectively. The role of classic risk factors was assessed in the presence and severity of asymptomatic ICAS, which was determined by TCD. Results: Regarding the presence of ICAS, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were as follows: 1.22 (1.08–1.37) for every 10-year increase in age, 1.44 (1.08–1.91) for hypertension and 1.86 (1.33–2.59) for diabetes mellitus. No significant association was observed with regard to male sex, smoking or hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: The findings suggest that age, hypertension and diabetes mellitus are significant risk factors for ICAS in asymptomatic populations.