Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fate of polarized membrane components and evidence for microvillus disassembly on migrating enterocytes during repair of native intestinal epithelium.

BACKGROUND Maintenance of enterocyte polarity is crucial to normal intestinal function. Tight junctions and cell-matrix interactions play a role in maintaining polarized cell membrane domains. In many intestinal epithelial wounds, normal cell-cell associations mediated by tight junctions are lost. The goal of this study was to examine the fate of an apically restricted fucosylated glycoconjugate (FGC) and basolaterally restricted Na/K-ATPase in a model of intestinal epithelial repair. Comparisons are made to isolated enterocytes in which cell-matrix interactions are disrupted as well. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We present a novel physiologically relevant model of intestinal epithelial injury and restitution that was used to examine the fate of two polarized membrane components by fluorescent and ultrastructural techniques. In addition, we used mechanical vibration to isolate enterocytes as individual and short sheets of cells from the intestinal basement membrane and evaluated the fate of these restricted membrane components using immuno- and lectin histochemistry. RESULTS Na/K-ATPase maintained its basolateral membrane location in restituting epithelial but relocated to a nonbasolateral position in the majority of isolated enterocytes. The FGC maintained its apical restriction in isolated enterocytes and in epithelial cells migrating across denuded basement membrane. An additional and important observation noted in this study was a drastic alteration in shape of migrating epithelial cells characterized by diminution and loss of microvilli as the cells migrated across the injury. CONCLUSIONS We conclude from our results that maintenance of Na/K-ATPase to a basolateral membrane position is influenced by cell-matrix interactions. In contrast, restriction of FGC to the apical membrane of enterocytes is dependent on the presence of microvilli and is not related to either cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions. Additionally, we suggest a new model of intestinal repair in which microvilli are disassembled. We speculate that membrane from disassembled microvilli, as well as lateral cell membrane, are used at the leading edge of the migrating cell.
Clinical detection of caries in the primary dentition with and without bitewing radiography.

BACKGROUND Inadequate detection of caries in the primary dentition due to non-use of bitewing radiography is commonly encountered in paediatric practice. The present study investigated the increased benefits of using bitewing radiography in addition to the visual-tactile examination technique for detection of primary dentition caries in a non-fluoridated community, and determined the prevalence of "hidden" occlusal caries in the primary dentition. METHODS Primary teeth were scored for caries at the restorative threshold using a visual-tactile technique followed by bitewing radiographic examination in a sample of 611 schoolchildren aged 6.4 +/- 0.5 yrs to 12.1 +/- 0.8 yrs residing in a non-fluoridated city. RESULTS Overall, at the restorative threshold, the visual-tactile technique could detect 62 per cent of occlusal caries compared to 74 per cent for bitewing radiography (p < 0.001). The prevalence of "hidden" occlusal caries was 12 per cent. In contrast, for primary molar proximal surface caries, the visual-tactile technique could detect only 43 per cent of caries compared with 91 per cent for bitewing radiography (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In the primary dentition, use of bitewing radiography increases the detection rate of proximal surface caries substantially. It is recommended that bitewing radiography be included as part of the routine examination of children with proximal surfaces that cannot be visualized.
Canadian and U.S. Financial Markets: Testing the International Integration Hypothesis Under Time-Varying Conditional Volatility

This paper evaluates the international integration hypothesis, that is, that risk-adjusted anticipated returns are identical, even when financial instruments are traded in different countries. Under time-varying conditional volatility, this hypothesis is tested by verifying the equality between domestic and foreign risk prices associated with a multi-factor analytic specification. The maximum-likelihood and Kalman-filter estimates are used to assess the national risk prices and interpret the factors. Empirically, the integration of Canadian and U.S. financial markets depends on the risk prices of two factors, which are related to certain non-monetary events and to the conduct of monetary policies.
Coronary risk evaluation in patients with transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke: a scientific statement for healthcare professionals from the Stroke Council and the Council on Clinical Cardiology of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) share common risk factors and pathological mechanisms, and coronary artery disease (CHD) is an important cause of death in patients with cerebrovascular disease. This Scientific Statement addresses issues in management of the relatively healthy patient with brain ischemia (a transient ischemic attack [TIA] or an ischemic stroke) who does not have recognized CHD but often has risk factors in addition to having had a TIA or stroke that indicate an increased likelihood of disability or death from cardiac disease in the future. This Statement should not be confused with the official American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) practice guidelines. The reader is referred to the ACC/AHA guidelines for management of recognized and symptomatic CHD1 and the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)2 and American Stroke Association (ASA)3–5 guidelines for evaluation of cardiac causes of TIA and stroke, which are important related but separate issues. Several small studies have shown that patients with TIA and stroke have a high prevalence of asymptomatic CHD.6–8 Rokey et al6 performed exercise thallium (Tl) 201 scintigraphy and exercise radionuclide ventriculography on 50 consecutive patients with TIA or stroke. Sixteen patients had symptoms suggestive of cardiac ischemia; the other 34 patients were asymptomatic. The results of myocardial perfusion imaging were abnormal in 15 of 16 symptomatic patients (94%) and 14 of 34 asymptomatic patients (41%). Twenty-two patients who had abnormal myocardial perfusion imaging results underwent coronary angiography, which showed severe CHD (≥70% stenosis of the lumen of ≥1 coronary artery) in 18 patients (10 of 13 symptomatic patients and 8 of 9 asymptomatic patients). Twelve of the 18 patients with severe CHD had multivessel disease. In a study by Di Pasquale et al,7 83 consecutive patients with TIA or minor stroke and no …
Ramsey-Friedman Optimality with Banking Time

Abstract This paper conducts a Ramsey analysis within an endogenous growth cash-in-advance economy with policy commitment. Credit and money are alternative payment mechanisms that act as inputs into the household production of exchange. The credit is produced with a diminishing returns technology with Inada conditions that implies along the balanced-growth path a degree one homogeneity of effective banking time. This tightens the restrictions found within shopping time economies while providing a production basis for the Ramsey-Friedman optimum that suggests a special case of Diamond and Mirrlees (1971).
Epstein–Barr virus‐induced epigenetic alterations following transient infection

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a known tumor virus associated with an increasing array of malignancies; however, the association of the virus with certain malignancies is often erratic. To determine EBV's contributions to tumorigenesis in a setting of incomplete association, a transient model of infection was established where a clonal CCL185 carcinoma cell line infected with recombinant EBV was allowed to lose viral genomes by withdrawal of selection pressure. Global gene expression comparing EBV‐negative, transiently infected clones to uninfected controls identified expression changes in more than 1,000 genes. Among downregulated genes, several genes known to be deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylated in cancer were identified including E‐cadherin and PYCARD. A cadherin switch, increased motility and enhanced cellular invasiveness present in EBV‐positive cells were retained after viral loss, indicating an epigenetic effect. Repression of PYCARD expression was a result of increased promoter CpG methylation, whereas loss of E‐cadherin expression after transient EBV infection did not correlate with increased DNA methylation of the E‐cadherin promoter. Rather, repression of E‐cadherin was consistent with the formation of a repressive chromatin state. Decreased histone 3 or 4 acetylation at the promoter and 5′ end of the E‐cadherin gene was observed in an EBV‐negative, transiently infected clone relative to the uninfected controls. These results suggest that EBV can stably alter gene expression in a heritable fashion in formerly infected cells, whereas its own contribution to the oncogenic process is masked.
Gastrointestinal obstruction in patients previously treated for malignancies.

UNLABELLED Bowel obstruction is a common condition in acute surgery. Among the patients, those with a history of cancer consist a particular group. Difficulties in preoperative diagnosis - whether obstruction is benign or malignant and limited treatment options in patients with reoccurrence or dissemination of the cancer are typical for this group. The aim of the study was to analyze causes of bowel obstruction in patients with history of radical treatment due to malignancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with symptoms of bowel obstruction and history of radical treatment for malignancy who were operated in 2nd and 3rd Department of General Surgery JUCM between 2000 and 2014 were included into the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on type of mechanical bowel obstruction (group 1 - adhesions, group 2 - malignant process). RESULTS 128 patients were included into the study - group 1: 67 (52.3%) and group 2: 61 (47.7%). In the second group bowel obstruction was caused by reoccurrence in 25 patients (40.98%) and dissemination in 36 (59.02%). The mean time between onset of the symptoms of bowel obstruction and the end of treatment for the cancer was 3.7 and 4.4 years, respectively in group 1 and 2 (p>0.05). Median time between onset of the symptoms and admission to Emergency Department was significantly longer in patients with malignant bowel obstruction compared to those with adhesions (11.6 ±17.8 days vs 5.1 ± 6.9 days, p=0.01). Considering type of surgery due to bowel obstruction, in first group in most patients (69.2%) bowel resection was not necessary and in the second group creation of jejuno-, ileo- or colostomy was the most common procedure. Morbidity was significantly higher in second group (45.9% vs 28.26%, p<0.05) but there was no difference in mortality (26% vs 24%, p>0.05). In both groups the most common localization of primary malignancy was colon. CONCLUSIONS In analyzed group of patients frequency of bowel obstruction caused by adhesions and malignancy was similar. However, in patients with bowel obstruction caused by malignancy morbidity was significantly higher and duration of symptoms was longer. There was no diagnostic procedure which would allow to differentiate the cause of bowel obstruction preoperatively and the diagnosis was made during the operation.
PRICING PARISIAN-STYLE OPTIONS WITH A LATTICE METHOD

A Parisian-style barrier option expires if the price of the underlying asset remains above or below some level(s) continuously over a specified period of time (the "window"). A trinomial-lattice scheme is developed for calculating the price and the sensitivities of such options. Monte–Carlo simulation of hedging events using the resulting deltas show errors which are of the same magnitude as for hedging vanilla options, confirming the validity of proposed scheme. We use these results to price callable and convertible bonds with this "window" feature.
Blood pressure control to prevent decline in cognition after stroke

Background Treatment of hypertension post-stroke preserves cognition through prevention of recurrent stroke, but it is not clear whether it prevents cognitive decline through other mechanisms. We aimed to describe changes in blood pressure from baseline to 1 year post-stroke and to evaluate the association between achieved blood pressure targets and cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Methods We included patients with first-ever stroke, and defined achieved blood pressure goals as systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the categories ≤125 mmHg, ≤140 mmHg, and ≤160 mmHg, SBP reduction of ≥10 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reduction of ≥5 mmHg. The main outcome variables were cognitive assessments 1 year post stroke. Secondary outcomes were diagnoses of MCI or dementia. Results Forty-one of 166 patients (25%) reached SBP ≤125 mmHg after 1 year, 92/166 (55%) reached SBP ≤140 mmHg, and 150/166 (90%) reached SBP ≤160 mmHg. SBP was reduced by ≥10 mmHg in 44/150 (29%) and DBP by ≥5 mmHg in 57/150 (38%). We did not find any statistically significant associations between cognitive test performances and different blood pressure goals (P=0.070–1.0). Nor was there any significant association between achieved goal blood pressure or blood pressure reduction after 1 year and the diagnoses of MCI or dementia (P=0.32–0.56). Conclusion Treatment of hypertension is important for primary and secondary prevention of stroke. Showing a potential beneficial effect of blood pressure control on cognitive function, however, probably needs longer follow-up.
People-centred environmental management and municipal commonage in the Nama Karoo

This paper examines the problem of managing municipal commonage land in the Nama Karoo, which is increasingly being used by black or coloured emergent farmers. Many of these live in the towns and have very little agricultural experience or knowledge, and some are unemployed farmworkers. The paper presents findings from a survey of emergent farmers who use municipal commonage in Philippolis in the southern Free State. It uses the sustainable livelihoods approach to suggest that environmental knowledge is a key asset for small farmers, and that suitable approaches to agricultural extension need to be adopted to promote ecological knowledge. It suggests that ecological knowledge needs to play a more prominent role in people-centred, participatory developmental approaches so as to strengthen municipal commonage management and prevent the rapid desertification of commonage land.
Legislative Explorer: Data-Driven Discovery of Lawmaking

ABSTRACT Interactive visualizations are used widely in the natural sciences to facilitate discovery in “big-data” research. This article introduces a project that applies the same data-driven discovery approach to politics. Lawmaking is a complex process that can be diﬃcult to convey in a constructive way, whether the audience is the general public, students, or researchers. Legislative Explorer (available at http://www.legex.org) visualizes the progress of more than 250,000 congressional bills and resolutions introduced since 1973. Users of all abilities can engage with actual data to discover how bills become law. Filters designed by domain experts guide them toward key insights. It is our hope that Legislative Explorer promotes greater understanding of a much-maligned institution.
The Effect of Technological Innovation on International Trade

Abstract In this paper, the effect of technological innovation on sectoral exports is analysed using a gravity model of trade. The technological achievement index (TAI) and its four components, creation of technology, diffusion of old innovations, diffusion of recent innovations and human skills, are used as proxies for technological innovation. The two first components are considered proxies for knowledge acquisition and assimilation (potential absorptive capacity), whereas the last two are taken as proxies for knowledge transformation and exploitation (realised absorptive capacity). We hypothesise that the effect of technological innovation on trade could vary according to the technological achievement by generating a non-linear relationship between technological innovation and trade. Our findings indicate a positive and non-linear effect of technological innovation on export performance, which indicates that there are thresholds for positive signs to occur. To foster exports, countries have to consider not only acquisition and assimilation capabilities, but also transformation and exploitation capabilities once a minimum level of potential absorptive capacity has been achieved.
The accountability of para-governmental organizations (bonyads): the case of Iranian foundations

This paper attempts to explain the emergence and development of para-governmental organizations (bonyads) in Iran and demonstrate their contradictory position in the Iranian political economy. These organizations represent the dual power structure in Iran which reinforces the financial authority of religious leaders without accountability. By analyzing the functions of these organizations, the paper sets out to probe their economic policies in line with the government's populist macroeconomic policies. The paper demonstrates the adverse effects of these organizations on political development and economic reforms in the post-Khomeini era when the struggle for accountability soared.
The legal environment of planned urban growth

The part that law as a skill and as a discipline can and should play in urban development and in the work of an urban development agency is discussed on the basis of recent experience in three countries. Emphasis is given to the importance of involving lawyers from the start of any programme for planned urban growth, and the disadvantage of bringing lawyers in only for specific legal jobs is stressed. The article surveys the range of work in which a lawyer is necessarily involved where planned urban development proceeds within a framework of law.
The TQM journey of Hong Kong building contractors: from a self‐assessment perspective

Purpose – This paper aims to explore to what extent the total quality management (TQM) is practised by Hong Kong large‐sized public listed building contractors (PLC) and non‐listed building contractors (NLC), and what management areas need more attention in order to achieve the TQM spirit of continuous improvement.Design/methodology/approach – This paper reports the investigation results of the six TQM practices (X1‐X6) by Hong Kong large‐sized building contractors via a self‐assessment questionnaire survey, which is modified from the contents of the self‐assessment questionnaire designed by the Baldrige National Quality Program. Descriptive statistics, one‐way ANOVA, multivariate tests and correlation matrix were employed to analyze the results.Findings – The survey results show that there is a significant difference in the six TQM practices between the PLC and the NLC through one‐way ANOVA. PLC out‐performed NLC in strategic planning (X2), particularly the practice of development and deployment of strat.
Joint ventures in China – accounting implications

Illustrates the growth of foreign investment in China, which is most often dealt with through Chinese‐foreign equity joint ventures and discusses the business issues involved. Traces the development of the Chinese accounting system, which is now largely in line with international standards, and identifies four accounting issues for foreign partners in joint ventures. Warns that the evaluation of a proposition must take into account the different accounting standards applied to previous accounts, the time needed to get an investment running effectively and possible legal problems in the home country from personal favour. Points out that the consolidation of joint venture accounts is not straightforward and recommends that the accounting rules which apply to contracts should be specified.
Introduction: The dynamics of coupled human and natural systems

This essay introduces a special section of this issue containing a set of papers on the dynamics of coupled human and natural systems. We frame this introduction by setting out some of the major issues confronting researchers who wish to incorporate both economic and biophysical dynamics in their analysis. We contrast the three papers contained in this section in terms of how they respond to these different issues. We conclude that these papers provide important new insights on both how to model and analyze dynamic coupled human and natural systems and how to define policies that will lead to improved human well being and environmental conditions.
What is at Stake in the Doha Round?

In this study the key elements of the WTO Doha Round are simulated and the main implications for international trade and national income are analysed. Based on negotiation information, three scenarios are designed. All scenarios encompass goods, services and agricultural liberalisation as well as trade facilitation. For goods liberalisation, a so-called Swiss formula is used to cut bound tariff rates. Agricultural tariffs are cut according to a tiered linear formula. Attention has been given to the modelling of trade facilitation. Indirect as well as direct trade transaction costs are modelled. For simulation of the services liberalisation quantitative estimates of indirect trade barriers are used. The simulation results show that all regions in the aggregation gain in the simulated Doha scenarios, with a particularly strong result for developing countries. A conservative estimate is that global income increases with 0.2-0.7 per cent of initial GDP, depending on the level of liberalisation. Trade facilitation contributes the most to these results, with increased market access for non-agricultural goods coming in second place. Overall, simulations indicate the importance of countries' own liberalisation for their national income gains, and the importance of a broad-based round. Copyright 2007 The Authors Journal compilation 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd .
Accounting information and analyst stock recommendation decisions: a content analysis approach

Abstract We explore the information set used by sell-side equity analysts in their stock recommendation decisions through content analysis of their company reports. In particular, we assess the relative importance of accounting measures compared with non-financial information items. We conclude that whereas accounting information is of fundamental importance to analysts, it is not the only, nor even the most important, source. Financial analysts are equally concerned with the firm's management and strategy and its trading environment in arriving at their investment recommendations. Our results have implications in terms of enhancing the relevance of financial reporting to key user constituencies.
House Prices, Development Costs, and the Value of Waiting

This paper demonstrates that new house prices can exceed direct development costs by considerable margins in competitive housing markets with finite price-elasticities of demand and no restrictive land-use regulation. The premium reflects the value of the option to delay developing the marginal piece of undeveloped land. Competition amongst landowners reduces the option value relative to the standard open-city framework, but--as long as undeveloped land is heterogeneous--does not reduce it to zero. Calibrating a special case of the model to US data suggests that the premium is economically significant. In addition to proving that prices can exceed costs without regulation, this paper shows that the relationship between volatility and the rate of investment is more complicated than previously thought.