Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Implications of Peritoneal Fibrosis

We have stressed the role of certain growth factors and cytokines in peritoneal fibrosis, including TGFbeta, TIMP-1, and inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-1beta. Recent research highlights the myofibroblast-like transformation of mesothelial cells as a central initiating event in peritoneal fibrosis. The induction, survival, and apoptosis of the myofibroblast cell population likely dictate the nature of the fibrogenic response. The accumulation of collagen occurs in a nondegradative environment, and collagenases and their inhibitors have a role in the maintenance of fibrosis. Fibrosis appears to be a ubiquitous response of peritoneal tissues to the damaging effects of uremia, bioincompatible dialysate, recurrent infection, and inflammation. Recent research has focused on the induction of angiogenesis, as this appears to correlate with increased solute transport and peritoneal membrane ultrafiltration failure. Fibrosis may play an integral part in peritoneal membrane dysfunction in several aspects. Angiogenesis may be induced as part of the fibrotic response, as many key fibrogenic cytokines are also strongly angiogenic. Fibrotic tissue may support and preserve angiogenesis. Changes in the interstitium may have a direct effect on the hydrodynamic properties of the peritoneum and may directly influence fluid movement. In its most extreme form, fibrosis manifests as the rare but devastating EPS. Peritoneal biopsy studies have identified a high prevalence of peritoneal fibrosis in PD patients. Research into peritoneal fibrosis will be enhanced by new animal models where the role of various cytokines and growth factors, cellular processes, and matrix interactions can be studied. With these models, the role of fibrosis in alteration of peritoneal membrane function can be better assessed. Clinical trials to assess the role of prevention of peritoneal injury using biocompatible solutions and treatments targeted directly at peritoneal fibrosis will be important, but challenging to design and carry out.
Evaluating the impacts of REDD+ at subnational scales: are our frameworks and models good enough?

Globally, deforestation and forest and peatland degradation account for approximately 15% of total anthropogenic GHG emissions. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation Plus (REDD+) has been proposed as a cost-effective way of reducing this figure. However, while there has been much discussion on global institutional architectures required to channel international finance streams to individual countries, what has been largely missing from the debate so far has been how these benefits reaching the national level will be used to encourage change in behaviors at the local level. To devise appropriate policies to achieve this, it is necessary to understand the many factors that influence land use decisions, and also how they interact with each other and other sectors of the economy. In this paper, we discuss some of the frameworks and modeling approaches potentially suitable for analyzing the impacts of REDD+ benefits on reducing GHG emissions at subnational scales.
The Effect of Trade Unions on Wages

This article reviews the literature on the union wage premium across countries. It identifies the mechanisms by which unionization may generate a wage premium, discusses the difficulties in obtaining an unbiased estimate of the effects and presents evidence on the size of those effects. The paper concludes with comments on the implications for policy and future research.JEL Code: J51.
Inflation Dynamics: The Role of Expectations

This paper estimates the Phillips curve allowing for a simultaneous role of rational and survey expectations. We consider both a reduced form and a structural specification of the Phillips curve. The results suggest that survey expectations can be a statistically significant component of firms' expectations and inflation dynamics. However, rational expectations continue to play a dominant role. Copyright Published 2010. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
The Economics of Two-Tier Tariff-Rate Import Quotas in Agriculture

This paper analyzes the economics of two-tier tariff import quotas (TRQs) and implications of alternative trade liberalization scenarios. The Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture had tariffs replace nontariff barriers as the protective mechanism while quotas ensured minimum trade flows. Our framework isolates the effects of changes either in the second-tier tariff, and first-tier tariff, or the quota. We show how market conditions or relative policy instrument levels determine which tariff or quota affects trade and domestic and world prices. Whether or not exporting countries have been allocated export quotas and the procedures for the distribution of the rights to export and import also influences the efficiency of TRQs.
Retail Loyalty Programs in Malaysia: The Relationship of Equity, Value, Satisfaction, Trust, and Loyalty among Cardholders

This study examines loyalty programs in Malaysia in terms of perceived equity, value, program satisfaction, program trust, and store loyalty. A total of 400 questionnaires were collected from cardholders in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The hypotheses were based on social exchange and equity theories. The structural equation model that assessed the relationship between the proposed variables was tested using AMOS 6.0. The findings revealed that perceived equity and perceived value of the loyalty program significantly influence program satisfaction and trust. Program trust was the most important predictor of store loyalty. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Going Public with Good Governance: Evidence from China

Board characteristics have not been a significant area of study in the IPO literature. We focus on the emerging corporate governance reform in China to investigate the relationship between a range of board characteristics and IPO initial returns and long-term performance. We find evidence that board size is positively related to short-term returns, while in the long-term, a positive relationship exists between performance and the voluntary post-listing separation of the roles of CEO and Chair of the Board. Our long-term results suggest that at least some Chinese listed firms are actively and voluntarily moving toward better governance structures.
Analytical calculation of rotor magnet eddy-current losses for high speed IPMSM

For high-speed machines applications, eddy-current losses in the interior permanent magnet of synchronous machine (IPMSM) form a portion of the total losses which can be significant. Indeed, the magnets are exposed to the harmonic fields which rotate with respect to the rotor. The induced losses in the magnets provoke temperature arising that must be limited to avoid the risk of demagnetization. The study carries out a prediction of eddy current losses in PM where the skin effect is considered. A complete analytical model is presented and compared to 3D Finite Element (FE) harmonic computations. The results given by the proposed model are in agreement with the FEA results for local electromagnetic quantities and loss calculations. This approach can be useful for losses estimation in magnets when designing machines by analytical method.
Poverty and Learning

Since the late 1960s, a variety of federal, state, and local programs have been designed and implemented in an effort to offset the profound difficulties children from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds encounter when they enter our public schools. Many of these programs prepare preschool children of low socioeconomic status (SES) for the challenges they face as they begin their education. Other programs seek to improve the achievement levels of low-SES students who are already struggling in schools that lack the resources to provide them with the special attention they need for success. The idea, of course, is to educate these students beyond their poverty, that is, to give them the intellectual tools and social skills necessary to become productive, working adults.
The Risk-Neutral Measure under Log-Stable Uncertainty

The fact that expected payos on assets and call options are in…nite under most log-stable distributions led Paul Samuelson and Robert Merton to con- jecture that assets and derivatives could not be reasonably priced under these distributions, despite their many other attractive features. This paper demonstrates that when the observed distribution of prices is log-stable, the Risk Neutral Measure (RNM) under which asset and derivative prices may be computed as expectations is not itself log-stable in the problematic cases. Instead, the RNM is determined by the convolution of two densities, one negatively skewed stable, and the other an exponentially tilted positively skewed stable. The resulting RNM gives …nite expected payos, so that the above fears were in fact unfounded. The population equity premium is nevertheless in…nite, so that a large average excess return does not necessarily indicate a "puzzle" per Mehra and Prescott (1985). Carr and Madan (1999) have shown how the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) can be used to quickly evaluate options directly from the characteristic function of any RNM. The log-stable RNM characteristic function presented here will therefore greatly facilitate the pricing of options on log-stable assets, by means of this new methodology.
Prospects and problems for mariculture in Hong Kong associated with wild‐caught seed and feed

Abstract Mariculture has the potential to supplement world seafood supplies and generate livelihoods and income. It can only do this, however, if it is sustainably practiced in relation to the input of natural resources on which much of it continues to depend. There is, therefore, a need to understand the links between inputs from wild sources, such as fish seed and fish feed, and mariculture practices. Such links are often not considered, with mariculture typically viewed in complete isolation from the status of its natural resource inputs. The mariculture industry in Hong Kong is evaluated, as a case study, in terms of fish and feed inputs, some of which continue to be derived from wild sources. It is argued that better use of wild resources, and a clearer understanding of the links between culture and capture, would provide many benefits to the mariculture industry, and, more broadly, to seafood supply through mariculture in general. Possible directions of development for the local industry include the widespread adoption of pellet feed and hatchery production of juveniles. While regional economic factors will inevitably determine the operation of the industry in the short‐term, the biological constraints identified in this paper must be considered for long‐term persistence of mariculture operations at the regional level as well as to ensure better use of natural resources.
Subclinical hypothyroidism and the risk of hypercholesterolemia

Introduction: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a condition wherein there are small elevations in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), yet normal circulating levels of free thyroid hormones (FT4). Alterations in thyroid function result in changes in composition and transport of lipoproteins. Methods: The study was undertaken in the outpatient department of Lourdes hospital, Ernakulam. 110 patients between 40-69 years were studied, of which 60 were identified to have SCH based on cross-sectional survey, 50 patients were randomly selected to represent the EU group. Data based on interview, clinical examination, thyroid function, lipid profiles. Student's t, chi-square tests used for computation of p values. Results: SCH were seen in females (66.66%) and in the age group of 40-49 years (61.66%). Mean cholesterol values were elevated in the subclinical hypothyroid group and in relation to age (60-69) and gender. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in total cholesterol(TC) (P<0.005) and triglycerides (P<0.05) in relation to age (40–49 yrs.) between two groups. Based on TSH, group A 5-7.49Mu/L and group B 7.5-10Mu/L were compared to the euthyroid group N<5Mu/L. Mean cholesterol values were raised in both subgroups. Statistically significant difference seen (P<0.0005) in cholesterol values between the subclinical hypothyroid group B and the euthyroid group N. Conclusions: SCH appears to be associated with increased mean cholesterol levels in females and of age > 60 years. The TC values were elevated in both subgroups of patients with SCH (A and B) based on TSH values.
A Theory of Post-Civil War Democratization

We model the transition from a chaotic status quo to a more orderly political regime as a two-stage game involving two warring factions and the citizens. The warring factions move first and decide the form of government by (1) inviting an external arbitrator, (2) choosing the people as arbitrator, i.e. democratizing or (3) maintaining the status quo. We analyze the conditions under which democracy is likely to emerge as the outcome of the game. We show that citizens prefer democracy because it generates a sociopolitical order that protects them against ‘banditry’ and expropriation. Because the citizens’ actions generate positive externalities, incentives for democratization are generated in part by the fact that protection against expropriation under democracy also indirectly benefits the warring factions.
Prevalence of HLA sensitization in female apheresis donors

BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious complication of plasma‐containing blood components. Studies have implicated HLA antibodies along with biologically active lipids in stored blood in the pathogenesis of TRALI. It has been proposed that the exclusion of HLA‐untested, multiparous donors of plasma‐rich components, including plasma and single‐donor apheresis platelets, would substantially reduce the risk of TRALI.
Operationalizing inclusive innovation: lessons from innovation platforms in livestock value chains in India and Mozambique

Various authors have identified the potential relevance of innovation system approaches for inclusive innovation, that is, the means by which new goods and services are developed for and by the poor. However, it is still a question how best to operationalize this. Innovation platforms (IPs) represent an example of putting an inclusive innovation system approach into practice by bringing different types of stakeholders together to address issues of mutual concern and interest with a specific focus on the marginalized poor. This paper explores the formation and functioning of IPs with the aim of providing lessons on the conditions and factors that play a role in making them effective. The study shows the importance of social organization, representation, and incentives to ensure a ‘true’ participatory innovation process, which is based on demand and embedded in the context. Critical to this is a flexible planning process stimulating incremental change through so-called innovation bundles (i.e. combinations of technological, organizational, and institutional innovations) and reflexive learning (systematically challenging constraining factors). Furthermore, local institutions embedded in norms and values are crucial to understand people's decisions. Due to weak linkages between value chain actors, innovation brokers have a vital role in facilitating the innovation process. Overall, IPs are a promising model for inclusive innovation, but they require a careful assessment of and adjustment to the institutional context.
Refactoring for software architecture smells

Code smells and refactoring have received considerable interest from the academia as well as from the industry in the past two decades. The interest has given birth to various tools, processes, techniques, and practices to identify smells and refactor them. Despite the high interest, architecture smells and corresponding refactorings haven't received as much focus and adoption from the software engineering community. In this paper, we motivate the need of architecture refactoring, discuss the current related research, and present a few potential research directions for architecture refactoring.
Safety and efficacy of affinity-purified, anti–tumor necrosis factor-&agr;, ovine fab for injection (CytoFab) in severe sepsis*

Objective:Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a critical inflammatory mediator in sepsis. This trial was designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of polyclonal ovine anti-TNF fragment antigen binding (Fab) fragments (CytoFab) on plasma TNF-&agr;, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentrations and the number of shock-free and ventilator-free days in severely septic patients. Design:Phase II, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial conducted from September 1997 to July 1998. Setting:Nineteen intensive care units in the United States and Canada. Patients:Eighty-one septic patients with either shock or two organ dysfunctions. Interventions:Patients were randomized to receive CytoFab, infused as a 250-units/kg loading dose, followed by nine doses of 50 units/kg every 12 hrs, or 5 mg/kg human albumin as placebo. Measurements and Main Results:CytoFab promptly reduced plasma TNF-&agr; (p = .001) and IL-6 concentrations (p = .002) compared with placebo. CytoFab also significantly decreased TNF-&agr; in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid (p < .001). The number of shock-free days did not differ between CytoFab and placebo (10.7 vs. 9.4, respectively) (p = .270). CytoFab increased mean ventilator-free days (15.0 vs. 9.8 for placebo; p = .040) and ICU-free days (12.6 vs. 7.6 for placebo; p = .030) at day 28. All-cause, 28-day mortality rates were 37% (14/38) for placebo recipients, compared with 26% (11/43) for CytoFab recipients (p = .274). No differences in incidences of adverse events, laboratory, or vital sign abnormalities were observed between groups. Although 41% of CytoFab-treated patients developed detectable plasma levels of human anti-sheep antibodies, none demonstrated clinical manifestations during the 28-day study. Conclusions:CytoFab is well tolerated in patients with severe sepsis, effectively reducing serum and BAL TNF-&agr; and serum IL-6 concentrations and increasing the number of ventilator-free and ICU-free days at day 28.
Oral Immunization with Recombinant Listeria monocytogenes Controls Virus Load after Vaginal Challenge with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

ABSTRACT Recombinant Listeria monocytogenes has many attractive characteristics as a vaccine vector against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Wild-type and attenuated Listeria strains expressing HIV Gag have been shown to induce long-lived mucosal and systemic T-cell responses in mice. Using the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) model of HIV we evaluated recombinant L. monocytogenes in a challenge system. Five cats were immunized with recombinant L. monocytogenes that expresses the FIV Gag and delivers an FIV Env-expressing DNA vaccine (LMgag/pND14-Lc-env). Control cats were either sham immunized or immunized with wild-type L. monocytogenes (LM-wt). At 1 year after vaginal challenge, provirus could not be detected in any of the nine tissues evaluated from cats immunized with the recombinant bacteria but was detected in at least one tissue in 8 of 10 control animals. Virus was isolated from bone marrow of four of five LMgag/pND14-Lc-env-immunized cats by use of a stringent coculture system but required CD8+ T-cell depletion, indicating CD8+ T-cell suppression of virus replication. Control animals had an inverted CD4:CD8 ratio in mesenteric lymph node and were depleted of both CD4+ and CD8+ intestinal epithelial T cells, while LMgag/pND14-Lc-env-immunized animals showed no such abnormalities. Vaginal FIV-specific immunoglobulin A was present at high titer in three LMgag/pND14-Lc-env-immunized cats before challenge and in all five at 1 year postchallenge. This study demonstrates that recombinant L. monocytogenes conferred some control of viral load after vaginal challenge with FIV.
Women Directors: Selection, Acceptance and Benefits of Board Membership

This study examined views of women directors on criteria for their being selected, reasons for serving and benefits derived from their directorships. Data were collected from 280 women serving on Canadian corporate boards of directors using anonymous questionnaires. A successful career in traditional business organizations emerged as the major selection criteria. Personal contacts and visibility to male board members was essential. Company/industry interest and broadening skills and knowledge motivated women’s board service. Finally women board members reported considerable benefits from serving. Efforts to broaden the selection and nomination process to include more qualified women may benefit women, men and organizations.
Labor Market Institutions and the Geographic Integration of Labor Markets in the Late Nineteenth-Century United States

developers to attempt to have the rights of villages invalidated and for villages to sue. I then extend this model to examine the causes of the historical divergence of peasant property in Britain and France. It thus seems that the French Revolution was a very important event in the economic history of France. Although the Bourbon monarchs had claimed absolute power, they never achieved the power of nineteenth-century governments. While the physiocrats and other Old Regime reformers had demanded institutional reform, they never achieved an efficient judiciary or better-defined property rights. The French Revolution did have high costs and featured significant amounts of redistribution, but it also involved institutional change. In the long run the Revolution's legacy may well be centralization of power and greatly simplified property rights.
The Effectiveness of Structural Policy in the European Union : An Empirical Analysis for the EU-15 During the Period 1995-2001

The main aim of Structural Policy is to decrease the regional disparities within the European Union. In 2004 it is expected that ten new member countries join the EU. It is expected that this enlargement will cause strong regional disparities within the Union. For this reason the distribution of the financial support by Structural Policy will undergo drastic changes. In this study we considered two main themes. First, convergence of the current EU-member countries is empirically tested, for the period 1995-2002, and the effect of the Structural Funds in this context is identified. Structural Funds seem to have had a positive impact and poorer countries (like Greece) seem to have caught up with the richer countries. The importance of the Structural Funds in this respect can therefore not be neglected. Second, we touch upon the problem of moral hazard and the substitution effect. It may be expected that receivers of Structural Funds in some cases are not really eligible and may therefore use the Funds inefficiently. Our first and preliminary results seem to indicate that the less clean countries (or as we measure it, more ‘corrupt’ countries) of the current EU-15 do not gain less economic growth from the Structural Funds. The hypothesis that Structural Funds contributed to less interregional disparities within the current 15 European countries cannot be rejected. This might mean the intended plans of channelling a big share of the Funds to the candidate countries in 2007-13 will probably contribute to higher economic growth in these countries.