Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Valuation of Callable Convertible Bond With Parisian Feature Using Finite Element Method

To protect the conversion privilege from being called away too soon, the bond indenture commonly contains hard call constraint and soft call constraint, which makes the valuation for the convertible bond more complicated. In this paper, a valuation model for a callable convertible bond with Parisian feature and notice period requirement is presented here using the arbitrage-free valuation method. Different from the existing works, we analyze the interaction between the optimal call policy and the optimal conversion policy based on the game theory analysis of options. Moreover, the finite element method is adopted to solving the pricing model and the projected successive over-relaxation technique is used to handling the American constraint. Finally, the convertible bond issued by China Merchants Bank is taken for an example to illustrate how the model works. Results show that notice period and Parisian feature have significant effect on the value of convertible bond and the optimal policies, and the so called "delayed call" phenomena has got some explanations here.
The dorsal raphe nucleus is integral to negative prediction errors in Pavlovian fear

Prediction errors are central to modern learning theories. While brain regions contributing to reward prediction errors have been uncovered, the sources of aversive prediction errors remain largely unknown. Here we used probabilistic and deterministic reinforcement procedures, followed by extinction, to examine the contribution of the dorsal raphe nucleus to negative, aversive prediction errors in Pavlovian fear. Rats with dorsal raphe lesions were able to acquire fear and reduce fear to a non‐reinforced deterministic cue. However, dorsal raphe lesions impaired the reduction of fear to a probabilistic cue and fear extinction to a deterministic cue, both of which involve the use of negative prediction errors. The results point to an integral role for the dorsal raphe nucleus in negative prediction error signaling in Pavlovian fear.
Translation Is Not Required To Generate Virion Precursor RNA in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected T Cells

ABSTRACT The retroviral primary transcription product is a multifunctional RNA that is utilized as pre-mRNA, mRNA, and genomic RNA. The relationship between human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) unspliced transcripts used as mRNA for viral protein synthesis and as virion precursor RNA (vpRNA) for encapsidation remains an important question. We developed a biochemical assay to evaluate the hypothesis that prior utilization as mRNA template for protein synthesis is necessary to generate vpRNA. HIV-1-infected T cells were treated with translation inhibitors under conditions that maintain virus production. Immunoprecipitation of newly synthesized HIV-1 Gag protein revealed that de novo translation is not necessary to sustain assembly, release, or processing of Gag structural protein. Both newly synthesized protein and steady-state Gag are competent for assembly, and the extracellular accumulation of Gag is proportional to the intracellular abundance of Gag. As early as 2 h after transcription, newly synthesized RNA is detectable in cell-free virions and encapsidation is sustained upon inhibition of host cell translation. Results of both [3H]uridine incorporation assays and HIV-1-specific RNase protection assays (RPAs) indicate that translation inhibition reduces the absolute amounts of both cytoplasmic and virion-associated RNA. Evaluation of encapsidation efficiency by RPA revealed that the cytoplasmic availability of vpRNA is increased, indicating that HIV-1 unspliced mRNA can be rerouted to function as vpRNA. Our data contrast with results from the HIV-2 and murine leukemia virus systems and indicate that HIV-1 unspliced RNA constitutes a single functional pool that can function interchangeably as mRNA and as vpRNA.
Could nanovesicles containing a penetration enhancer clinically improve the therapeutic outcome in skin fungal diseases?

AIM To study whether the formulation of an antifungal drug in nanovesicular form containing skin penetration enhancer would clinically modulate its therapeutic effectiveness. MATERIALS & METHODS Nanovesicles containing different skin penetration enhancers 'PEVs' were prepared and loaded with sertaconazole. Penetration-enhancer vesicles were characterized for entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, elasticity, viscosity, morphology and ex vivo skin deposition. Selected formulae were preliminary tested for clinical efficacy on patients suffering from tinea corporis and tinea versicolor. RESULTS & CONCLUSION The nanosize of the vesicles, their content of penetration enhancer and their deformable nature are three cornerstones positively influencing the therapeutic outcome of topical antifungal therapy, and hence, can be considered a promising treatment modality for skin fungal diseases.
Drivers of an international financial centre: lessons for Mauritius

There has been a lot of recent debate on Mauritius as a tax haven and the predominant role of double taxation agreement (DTAs) as a major factor determining the growth of Mauritius as an IFC. This paper studies the factors leading to growth of an International Financial Centre (IFC) and the nexus between the status of an IFC and financial development. Using a Probit model, we investigate whether factors like institutional quality, financial openness, financial development, law and regulatory framework determine the successful positioning of IFCs including Mauritius.
[Correlation between Type IV secretion system component VirD4 and virulence for Streptococcus suis 2].

OBJECTIVE In order to study the role of SS2 Type IV Secretion System VirD4 in evasion of the host innate immune killing, we constructed a knockout mutant AVirD4. Then we studied its biological activity and virulence. METHODS The two VirD4 flanking DNA sequences were amplified using genome of 05ZYH33 as template. We also amplified the Cm sequence of shuttle vector pSET1, and through overlap extension PCR we connected the three fragments together. Using suicide vector pSET4s, we constructed the recombinant gene knockout vector pSET4s::VirD4. The mutant AVirD4 was successfully constructed by allelic replacement. Virulence of mutant strain was compared with wild type strain 05ZYH33 through in vitro bactericidal assays, competitive infection and challenge experiment of CD1 mice. RESULTS Mutant strain AVirD4 was constructed successfully, its virulence attenuated compared to the wild type strain. CONCLUSION These findings indicated that Type IV Secretion System component VirD4 contributed to the virulence of S. suis with important functions in evading innate immunocyte killing.
Amphetamine activates Rho GTPase signaling to mediate dopamine transporter internalization and acute behavioral effects of amphetamine

Significance The dopamine transporter (DAT), a major target for psychostimulant drugs, including cocaine and amphetamines, clears extracellular dopamine and restricts the temporal and spatial extent of neurotransmitter signaling. This study examines the mechanism through which amphetamines trigger internalization of DAT and demonstrates that amphetamine activates the small GTPases, Rho and Rac. Rho activation triggers endocytosis of DAT by a dynamin-dependent, clathrin-independent pathway. Intriguingly, amphetamine must enter the cell to have these effects, and it also increases cAMP, which in turn inactivates Rho and limits carrier internalization. Consistent with these observations, the activation of receptors that couple to protein kinase A in dopamine neurons also antagonizes the behavioral effects of amphetamine in mice, suggesting new pathways to target to disrupt amphetamine action. Acute amphetamine (AMPH) exposure elevates extracellular dopamine through a variety of mechanisms that include inhibition of dopamine reuptake, depletion of vesicular stores, and facilitation of dopamine efflux across the plasma membrane. Recent work has shown that the DAT substrate AMPH, unlike cocaine and other nontransported blockers, can also stimulate endocytosis of the plasma membrane dopamine transporter (DAT). Here, we show that when AMPH enters the cytoplasm it rapidly stimulates DAT internalization through a dynamin-dependent, clathrin-independent process. This effect, which can be observed in transfected cells, cultured dopamine neurons, and midbrain slices, is mediated by activation of the small GTPase RhoA. Inhibition of RhoA activity with C3 exotoxin or a dominant-negative RhoA blocks AMPH-induced DAT internalization. These actions depend on AMPH entry into the cell and are blocked by the DAT inhibitor cocaine. AMPH also stimulates cAMP accumulation and PKA-dependent inactivation of RhoA, thus providing a mechanism whereby PKA- and RhoA-dependent signaling pathways can interact to regulate the timing and robustness of AMPH’s effects on DAT internalization. Consistent with this model, the activation of D1/D5 receptors that couple to PKA in dopamine neurons antagonizes RhoA activation, DAT internalization, and hyperlocomotion observed in mice after AMPH treatment. These observations support the existence of an unanticipated intracellular target that mediates the effects of AMPH on RhoA and cAMP signaling and suggest new pathways to target to disrupt AMPH action.
From 'Fair Play' to 'Serious Play': Any Leadership Lessons from The Russian Football League?

This paper builds on previous studies on the management and leadership, and the attendant insights that can be garnered from football – highlighting how this ‘perceived play’ has evolved into ‘serious play’ in the boardroom. Two academic papers (Madichie, 2009; Haskins, 2013) form the theoretical basis for investigating the Russian football League, and specifically CSKA Moscow, not just because the latter are the current champions of the Russian League, but more because of the seven long years it took the club to achieve such greatness under the leadership of Leonid Viktorovich Slutski.Further insights are derived from non-academic spheres – e.g. Rogovitski (2013), who highlighted “seven reasons for CSKA’s regeneration” from grass, to grace. Finally some leadership caveats are anchored upon Littrell’s (2013) special issue in the Journal of Management Development, on “preferred explicit leadership preferences across cultures. ” While that ‘special issue’ covered countries/cultures such as Turkey and Latin America, Russia, which provides a case illustration in this paper, was omitted.
The cytoplasmic domain of human FcgammaRIa alters the functional properties of the FcgammaRI.gamma-chain receptor complex.

The gamma/zeta-chain family of proteins mediate cell activation for multiple immunoglobulin receptors. However, the recognition that these receptors may have distinct biologic functions suggests that additional signaling elements may contribute to functional diversity. We hypothesized that the cytoplasmic domain (CY) of the ligand binding alpha-chain alters the biological properties of the receptor complex. Using macrophage FcgammaRIa as a model system, we created stable transfectants expressing a full-length or a CY deletion mutant of human FcgammaRIa. Both receptors functionally associate with the endogenous murine gamma-chain. However, we have established that the CY of FcgammaRIa directly contributes to the functional properties of the receptor complex. Deletion of the FcgammaRIa CY leads to slower kinetics of receptor-specific phagocytosis and endocytosis as well as lower total phagocytosis despite identical levels of receptor expression. Deletion of the CY also converts the phenotype of calcium independent FcgammaRIa-specific phagocytosis to a calcium-dependent phenotype. Finally, deletion of the CY abrogates FcgammaRIa-specific secretion of interleukin-6 but does not affect production of interleukin-1beta. These results demonstrate a functional role for the CY of FcgammaRIa and provide a general model for understanding how multiple receptors that utilize the gamma-chain can generate diversity in function.
Tear Production After Bilateral Main Lacrimal Gland Resection in Rabbits.

PURPOSE This study reports tear compensation observed in rabbits with bilateral resection of main lacrimal gland (LG) and explored the potential mechanisms. METHODS Dry eye conditions were created by resection of nictitating membrane (NM), Harderian gland (HG), and main LG in eight (16 eyes) male New Zealand White rabbits. In addition to Schirmer test, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, and ocular surface staining with fluorescein and rose Bengal, conjunctival impression cytology was employed before and up to 4 months after excision (AE). Using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), expression of inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, TNF-α, and matrix metalloproteinase-9) were monitored. Further, involvement of ionic and water transporters were investigated in conjunctival epithelium. RESULTS Significant dry eye phenotypes in rabbits were observed 1 month AE, which corroborated with elevated biomarker mRNA expression. However, Schirmer test score and goblet cell numbers never decreased AE in conjunctival epithelium. Moreover, ocular surface staining, and biomarker expression declined to baseline in over 4 months AE. No upregulation was observed of the following conjunctival ionic transporters: cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, sodium potassium chloride cotransporters, sodium potassium ATPase, and epithelial sodium channels. Instead, aquaporin (AQP) 4 and AQP5 were upregulated. Immunolocalization and immune blotting of AQP4 was demonstrated in rabbit conjunctival epithelium. CONCLUSIONS In the absence of NM, HG, and main LG in rabbits, tear secretion was not decreased and significant improvement of dry eye phenotypes observed with time AE. Conjunctival AQPs are possibly involved in a compensatory tear fluid production.
What Kind Of Public Spaces Do We Want

Public spaces within the city in all their different types and form – streets, boulevards, squares, plazas, market places, green areas – are the backbone of cities. Over the centuries buildings defined the shape and quality of public spaces, valorising them in various ways. The post-modern development of urban form generated a great number of “public spaces”, where there is no longer correspondence between architectural forms and social and political messages: shopping malls and theme parks, inner public spaces, strip developments etc. To strike the right balance between inner city regeneration and under-use of urban land in the old abandoned areas are among of the main challenges confronting cities in Europe. The paper will analyze the complex relationships between architecture and public space, in an attempt to understand how traditional urban structures, public and green spaces, squares and streets, could provide orientation for quality-oriented regeneration. Case in point is Bucharest – capital city of Romania – where aggressive intervention in the urban structure during the 1980s disrupted the fabric of the city. The investigation is oriented towards fundamental questions such as: how to secure and preserve sites that would serve as initial points in upgrading processes, how to balance private investment criteria and the quality interests of the urban communities. The major aim is to provide a support for decision making in restoring the fundamental role of public urban space in shaping urban form and supporting community life.
Are occupational therapists more effective than social workers when assessing frail older people? Results of CAMELOT, a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness of occupational therapist-led assessments of older people on dependency and service costs with that of social worker-led assessments. DESIGN Pragmatic community-based randomised controlled trial over 2 years 4 months. SETTING Cambridgeshire, UK. PARTICIPANTS 321 older people aged 65 and over living in their own homes and 113 carers. INTERVENTION participants were randomised to two groups, to receive either occupational therapist-led or social worker-led assessment. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was dependency (Community Dependency Index). Secondary outcomes included quality of life scores (EQ-5D) and psychological outlook (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)). Outcome measures for carers included Carer Assessment of Difficulty Index (CADI), PSS and EQ-5D, collected at baseline, 4 and 8 months. Resource use data were collected from professional practice records, participants and carers at final follow-up. RESULTS 264 (82%) of the randomised participants completed the study. No between-group statistically significant differences were found, except that carers in the occupational therapist arm had significantly better EQ-5D scores at the 8 month follow-up (thermometer P = 0.03) and in the social worker arm better CADI scores on stress (P = 0.047) and amount of caring (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS There was no clear difference in patient-centred effectiveness measures between occupational therapists and social workers in assessing frail older people and their carers in the community. More extensive use of primary care health services by occupational therapists may have contributed to the differences in EQ-5D scores for carers. Delays in making occupational therapy assessments and in completing recommended housing adaptations may have contributed to these negative findings.
Volunteering and Hypertension Risk in Later Life

Objective: This study examined the relationship between volunteer activity and hypertension, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, renal failure, and cognitive impairment. Method: Employing data from the Health and Retirement Study, we estimated regression models of hypertension status that include volunteer activity and psychosocial and health behavior risk factors for middle-aged and older persons. Results: Multivariate analyses showed volunteers had lower hypertension risk and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than nonvolunteers and that a threshold effect was present, whereby a modest amount of volunteer time commitment (but not a high amount) was associated with lower risk of hypertension. We did neither find support that psychosocial and health behaviors mediated this relationship nor find support for a moderating effect of volunteering for the relationships among health behaviors and hypertension. Discussion: The results of this study indicate that research is needed to determine what mediates the relationship between volunteering and hypertension.
Synovium and cartilage biomarkers in hemophilic arthropathy

ABSTRACT Some promising cartilage and synovium biomarkers are at various stages of development and awaiting further validation in larger patient populations with osteoarthritis (OA). Various reports have shown increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers, both locally (synovial fluid) and systemically (serum and plasma) in such patients. The clinical value of these parameters in combination with imaging biomarkers in order to predict early onset and the burden of OA is being investigated. This review article aims to describe the potential usefulness of synovial and cartilage biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of hemophilic arthropathy (HA) by using the existing literature on OA as an applicable model. A systematic review found that serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (sCOMP) is elevated in patients with knee OA and is sensitive to OA disease progression.
Application of a Transition Graph-Based Predictive Algorithm to a Solar Air Conditioning Plant

This brief presents the development of a transition graph-based predictive algorithm and its application to a solar air conditioning plant. The process considered is a hybrid system of variable configuration subject to disturbances in its main energy source, namely solar radiation. The predictive algorithm switches between the operating modes of the plant on the basis of minimizing the performance cost function associated to each operating mode and the switching cost function associated to the transition between operating modes. The cost functions depend on the predicted states of the plant. A transition graph is used to reduce the computational cost of the optimization problem; the graph is plotted using the concept of reachability. The main objective of the predictive algorithm is to find the optimal solution to the configuration problem and the optimal control signal of the plant throughout the day. Experimental results show that solar energy was used during most of the test and cooling demand was satisfied.
Psychopharmacology and aggression. I: A meta-analysis of stimulant effects on overt/covert aggression-related behaviors in ADHD.

OBJECTIVE To determine by meta-analysis the effect size for stimulants on overt and covert aggression-related behaviors in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), separately from stimulant effects on the core symptoms of ADHD. METHOD A review of the literature from 1970 to 2001 revealed 28 studies meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria for meta-analysis. These studies yielded 28 independent effects of overt aggression and 7 independent effects of covert aggression. RESULTS The overall weighted mean effect size was 0.84 for overt and 0.69 for covert aggression related behaviors in ADHD. Comorbid conduct disorder is associated with diminishing stimulant effect size for overt aggression. CONCLUSION Stimulant effects for aggression-related behaviors in ADHD have effect sizes similar to those for the core symptoms of ADHD.
Involvement of purine nucleotide synthetic pathways in gonadotropin‐induced meiotic maturation in mouse cumulus cell‐enclosed oocytes

This study was carried out to test the hypothesis that purine nucleotide‐generating pathways are required for ligand‐stimulated oocyte maturation in meiotically arrested cumulus cell‐enclosed oocytes. Oo‐cytes from hormonally primed, immature mice were cultured overnight in Eagle's minimum essential medium containing dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) (to maintain meiotic arrest), plus either mycophenolic acid or alanosine (inhibitors of guanyl and adenyl nucleotide production, respectively). Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) was added either at the outset of culture or after a 3‐hr preincubation period. Under either of these conditions, the inhibitors suppressed FSH induction of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVB). In addition, the potency of FSH as an inducer of GVB was reduced following the 3‐hr preincubation period, but this could be prevented if nucleotide precursors such as hypoxanthine, guanosine, or adenosine were included during the first 3 hr. Furthermore, preincubation had little effect on FSH induction of GVB when hypoxanthine was used to maintain meiotic arrest for the entire culture period. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3‐isobutyl‐l‐methylxanthine, could not mimic this protective effect of hypoxanthine. Azaserine and aminopterin, inhibitors of purine de novo synthesis, blocked hormone‐triggered maturation in dbcAMP‐arrested oocytes, but had little effect on hypoxanthine‐arrested oocytes. The effect of azaserine on dbcAMP‐treated oocytes could be reversed by the inclusion of AICA riboside, a compound that can be taken up by cells and phosphorylated to form AICAR, which can enter the purine de novo pathway at a point distal to the sites of azaserine inhibition. FSH was stimulatory to purine de novo synthesis, while azaserine, aminopterin, hypoxanthine, and AICA riboside all suppressed de novo synthesis in the presence or absence of FSH, with dbcAMP having no effect. HPLC analysis of 14C‐hypoxanthine metabolism in oocyte‐cumulus cell complexes revealed that changes in the pattern of purine metabolism did not mediate the meiosis‐inducing effect of FSH. These data support the conclusion that purine nucleotide‐generating pathways are vital participants in the mechanism(s) regulating hormone‐induced meiotic maturation, and that either the de novo or salvage pathway can fulfill this nucleotide requirement. Mol Reprod Dev 46:155–167, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.