Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric Employer Information , Promotions , and the Wage Policy of Firms

This paper provides evidence that inefficient promotion strategies and large wage increases upon promotion may both arise as a consequence of asymmetric employer information. We present a simple model that illustrates how both phenomena may jointly arise due to the information revealing character of promotions. Using experimental labor markets, we demonstrate that asymmetric employer information is a causal factor for both inefficient promotions and large wage increases upon promotion. Moreover, our data are consistent with the idea that the channel through which asymmetric employer information affects personnel policies is the information revealing character of promotions.
Subunit structure of oyster paramyosin.

Paramyosin from the oyster Crassostrea commercialis was studied by equilibrium sedimentation. In non-denaturing solvents the minimum molecular weight is 208000. Dissociation into subunits requires complete disruption of the alpha-helix. This occurs at pH7 in guanidine hydrochloride solutions of concentration greater than 7m in the presence of a disulphide-bond-reducing agent. Solutions of the protein in concentrated guanidine hydrochloride are polydisperse and contain species of low molecular weight (approx. 25000) comprising approx. 5% to 10% of the protein. The molecular weight of the main component is estimated to be 97000 and the paramyosin molecule contains two of these subunits. From the present observations no decision can be made as to whether or not the small component (or components) represents part of the paramyosin molecule. Preferential binding of guanidine hydrochloride to the extent of 0.13g. /g. of protein was shown in solutions of paramyosin in 7.85m-guanidine hydrochloride.
Language model adaptation in speech recognition using document maps

We present speech experiments that were carried out to evaluate a topically focusing language model in large vocabulary speech recognition. An ordered topical clustering is first computed as a self-organized mapping of a large document collection. Language models are then trained for each text cluster or for several neighboring clusters. The obtained organized collection of language models is efficiently utilized in continuous speech recognition to concentrate on the model that corresponds closest to the current topic of discussion. The speech recognition experiments are carried out on a novel Finnish speech database. A property of Finnish that is particularly challenging for speech recognition is the extremely fast vocabulary growth that makes many of the standard word-based language modeling methods impractical for large vocabulary tasks.
Lipid-Lowering Therapy and Macrovascular Disease in Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from macrovascular disease manifesting as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular accidents, and peripheral vascular disease. Increased frequency of dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, obesity, hypertension, and associated nephropathy may contribute to accelerated atherogenesis in diabetic patients. Therefore, besides intensive control of hyperglycemia, management of dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity should also be emphasized in diabetic patients. Those who smoke should be strongly encouraged to quit smoking. Besides attempts to achieve normal levels of plasma lipoproteins, consideration also should be given to normalization of compositional abnormalities of various lipoproteins in patients with diabetes mellitus. The therapeutic goals for cholesterol reduction should be lower in diabetic patients than nondiabetic subjects. The first step is to achieve good metabolic control of diabetes mellitus by diet, exercise, and weight reduction and, if needed, with sulfonylureas or insulin therapy. Because most of the patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus achieve normal levels of plasma lipoproteins with intensive insulin therapy, lipid-lowering medications are rarely needed. In patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, however, dyslipidemia often persists despite good glycemic control. Lipid-lowering medications should be considered in such patients. Because nicotinic acid can cause marked deterioration in glycemic control, and bile acid-binding resins may accentuate hypertriglyceridemia, these agents are less desirable for use by diabetic patients. Inhibitors of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase may be preferred in patients with elevated LDL cholesterol and mild hypertriglyceridemia. For diabetic patients with marked hypertriglyceridemia, however, fibric acid derivatives should be the drug of choice.
Regulation of CYP1A1 by heavy metals and consequences for drug metabolism

Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) is a hepatic and extrahepatic enzyme that is regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway. With the growing human exposure to heavy metals, emerging evidence suggests that heavy metals exposure alter CYP1A1 enzyme activity. Heavy metals regulate CYP1A1 at different levels of its aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway in a metal- and species-dependent manner. The importance of CYP1A1 emerges from the fact that it has been always associated with the metabolism of pro-carcinogenic compounds to highly carcinogenic metabolites. However, recently CYP1A1 has gained status along with other cytochrome P450 enzymes in the metabolism of drugs and mediating drug–drug interactions. In addition, CYP1A1 has become a therapeutic tool for the bioactivation of prodrugs, particularly cytotoxic agents. In this review, we shed light on the effect of seven heavy metals, namely arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper and vanadium, on CYP1A1 and the consequences on drug metabolism.
Distinguishing specialised discourse : the example of juridical texts on industrial property rights and trademark legislation

In this paper, we have given an overview of computational linguistic tools available to us, which can be used to produce raw material for the lexicographic description of a specialised language. The underlying idea of our method is the following: what is significantly more frequent in a domain-specific text than in a general language reference text may be a term (or collocation) of the domain. In the near future, our tools will be integrated in a web-based environment in order to make them available for textbased research, e.g. in the humanities, whenever needed. The researcher interested in term or phraseology candidate extraction of a certain domain would identify and upload texts to be searched, and the tools would be running on servers of e.g. computational linguistics centres. The researcher would select tools to be applied and receive the analysis results over the network.
Imaginary soundscapes: the SoDA project

The SoDA (Sound Design Accelerator) project aims at providing a flexible software environment for soundscape generation. Based on semantic information, it provides both an annotation schema and an annotated library of sound files that operates in relation to a generative system that delivers the final audio content. SoDA provides the user with various forms of interaction: from incremental assisted exploration of semantic and audio content in real-time to completely automated off-line soundscape composition. In this paper we describe the semantic and audio components and the various interaction modes.
Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 2A Activates β-Catenin Signaling in Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) functions to maintain latency in EBV-infected B lymphocytes. Although LMP2A is nonessential for the immortalization of B lymphocytes by EBV, its expression in B lymphocytes prevents viral reactivation by blocking B-cell receptor activation and signaling. LMP2A also provides an antiapoptotic signal in transgenic mice that express LMP2A in B lymphocytes. LMP2A activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and the serine/threonine kinase Akt in lymphocytes and epithelial cells. Here we show that EBV LMP2A activates the PI3K and β-catenin signaling pathways in telomerase-immortalized human foreskin keratinocytes (HFK). LMP2A activated Akt in a PI3K-dependent manner, and the downstream Akt targets glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and the Forkhead transcription factor FKHR were phosphorylated and inactivated in LMP2A-expressing HFK cells. GSK3β is a negative regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, and inactivation of GSK3β by LMP2A signaling led to stabilization of β-catenin, the central oncoprotein of Wnt signaling. In LMP2A-expressing cells, β-catenin accumulated in the cytoplasm and translocated into the nucleus via a two-step mechanism. The cytoplasmic accumulation of β-catenin downstream of LMP2A was independent of PI3K signaling, whereas its nuclear translocation was dependent on PI3K signaling. In the nucleus, β-catenin activated a reporter responsive to T-cell factor, and this activation was augmented by LMP2A coexpression. The Wnt pathway is inappropriately activated in 90% of colon cancers and is dysregulated in several other cancers, and these data suggest that activation of this pathway by LMP2A may contribute to the generation of EBV-associated cancers.
WES in a family trio suggests involvement of TECPR2 in a complex form of progressive motor neuron disease

We have performed whole‐exome sequencing in a family trio with a 16‐year‐old girl suffering of progressive motor neuron disease. There was no family history of the disease and no parental consanguinity. Our exome analysis indicated the proband as a compound heterozygote for two missense variants in the TECPR2 gene according to a recessive mode of inheritance. The TECPR2 gene has been reported as a positive regulator of autophagy which is an essential mechanism for maintaining neuron homeostasis and survival and plays a key role in major adult and pediatric neurodegenerative diseases. Variants in this gene have been found responsible for a recently described form of hereditary spastic paraplegia called SPG49 in two previous reports. We propose that both variants causing amino acid substitution, p.Leu684Val and p.Thr903Met, inherited in trans‐phase compound heterozygote form, can be responsible for the phenotype observed in our patient. We also consider the possible contribution of a heterozygous variant in the SPG7 gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed the segregation of variants within the family tree including the patient's unaffected brother.
Effect of the gap size on the SSI efficiency of split-gate memory cells

In this paper, new experimental results on the injection efficiency of split-gate memory cells programmed in the source-side-injection mode are reported. It is shown that the gap size has a negligible effect on the cell injection efficiency and, when the read current is not a limiting factor, it can be made large in order to increase the breakdown voltage of the oxide in the gap region, thus enhancing the cell reliability without detrimental effects on the performance. The experimental data is interpreted with the aid of fullband Monte Carlo simulations.
An Input Power Factor Control Strategy for High-Power Current-Source Induction Motor Drive With Active Front-End

This paper proposes an input power factor control strategy for a current-source drive with active front-end. The proposed strategy is realized without modification of the drive's pulsewidth modulation and speed control schemes through the collaborative use of two methods: a modulation index regulation method and a flux adjustment method. Specifically, the modulation index regulation method functions to directly control the dc-link current and voltage, and it can effectively correct a leading input power factor as long as the space vector modulation is used for the inverter. On the other hand, the flux adjustment method can improve the power factor when the power factor is lagging or when the selective harmonic elimination modulation is used for the inverter at high motor speeds. When implemented together, the two methods will complement each other's functionalities and improve the overall compensation performance. Experimental results are obtained from a 600-hp and an 1100-hp drive system.
Spontaneous and stimulated transients in cytoplasmic free Ca(2+) in normal human osteoblast-like cells: aspects of their regulation.

We characterize two patterns of transients in cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) in normal human osteoblast-like cells (hOB cells). Firstly, spontaneous oscillations in [Ca2+]i were found to be common. The [Ca2+]i oscillations were completely inhibited by thapsigargin, indicating that Ca2+ fluxes between intracellular Ca2+ pools and the cytosol contributed to the generation of the [Ca2+]i oscillations. Removing extracellular Ca2+ either attenuated or completely inhibited spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations. Gadolinium, an inhibitor of stretch activated cation channels (SA-cat channels), reduced the frequency of [Ca2+]i oscillations. Hence, entry of calcium from the extracellular space, possibly through SA-cat channels also seemed to be of importance in the regulation of these [Ca2+]i oscillations. The role of the observed spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations in hOB cell function is not clear. Secondly, a decrease in pericellular osmolality, which causes the plasma membrane to stretch, transiently increased [Ca2+]i in hOB cells. This effect was also observed in a Ca2+ free extracellular environment, suggesting that osmotic stimuli release Ca2+ from intracellular pools. This finding indicates a possible signaling pathway by which mechanical strain can promote anabolic effects on the human skeleton.
Finite-element analysis of the rotor/stator contact in a ring-type ultrasonic motor

A way to understand mechanical characteristics of an ultrasonic motor is presented. First, the vibration mode of a stator is calculated using a finite-element method (FEM) code. The path of the elliptic motion of the stator's teeth is obtained. The computed vibration mode at the surface of the stator is compared with that measured by an electrooptical displacement transducer. Next, the contact condition of the rotor/stator is calculated. The displacement and velocity of the rotor/stator, the distortion of the stick/slip area, the rotational speed of the rotor, and the friction loss of the motor are obtained. The calculated rotor displacement and torque-rotational speed curve correspond closely to the experimentally measured ones. The internal loss of the rotor/stator and the loss of the supporting felt are measured. The total loss of these losses and the calculated friction loss agree with the measured total loss. The calculated and the measured efficiency of the motor also agree. <<ETX>>
Procedural pain management patterns in academic pediatric emergency departments.

OBJECTIVES To describe the current state of the art for pain and sedation management for five common pediatric emergency department (ED) procedure scenarios. METHODS Fellowship directors of U.S. EDs with a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship training program were surveyed by mail and asked to choose the one most commonly used pain or sedation management option for five clinical scenarios: facial laceration repair, cranial computed tomography in a toddler, closed fracture reduction, neonatal lumbar puncture, and intravenous catheter insertion. Results were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, and the differences between high and low volume departments were compared by using a chi-square test. RESULTS Thirty-eight of 51 fellowship programs responded (75%). The majority of respondents were fellowship directors (76%). Topical anesthetics were most commonly reported as used for a simple facial laceration (84%), whereas ketamine sedation was most popular for fracture reduction (86%). Pain management for the other scenarios was more variable. More than half of the respondents (53%) would not sedate at all for cranial computed tomography, and only 38% reported use of pharmacologic pain management for intravenous catheter insertion. The majority (74%) reported use of anesthetic (topical or injected local) for neonatal lumbar puncture. High volume departments were more likely to use pain management for intravenous catheter insertions. CONCLUSIONS Pain and sedation management methods for pediatric procedures continue to evolve. Despite gains, there is still room for improvement, particularly regarding intravenous catheter insertions.
La eficiencia del mercado, más allá de los modelos matemáticos

Los años sesenta son el momento en el cual se desarrollaron los estudios académicos dirigidos a plantear la Hipótesis de la Efi ciencia de los Mercados(en inglés Efficient Markets Hypotesis, EMH), sin embargo, el primer antecedente es atribuido a Louis Bachelier quien en su tesis, Teoría de la Especulación, estableció un modelo matemático para estudiar los comportamientos del mercado, en el año 1900. Como se indica, es un modelo de com portamiento, por lo que considera que el mercado tiene un com portamiento definido, que es propio como objeto de investigación de la Psicología Social, es decir del mundo del conductismo, y por tanto Positivista. Hay quienes piensan que el mercado bursátil es un «casino» y quizá el más señero representante de esa tesis es J.M. Keynes. A pesar de ser él mismo un asaz especulador, afirma en su Teo ría Ge neral,1 cuando se refiere al mercado como el juego infantil de las sillas y la música que de tanto en tanto se detiene, para dejar a al guien siempre de pié, por tanto perdiendo el juego en cuestión. Algunos otros creen que el estudio, el análisis y los conocimien tos de los mercados otorgan una ventaja y consideran que los mer cados de inversión pueden ser predichos con anticipación.
EFFECT OF CROTALUS ATROX VENOM ON PERITONEAL AND SPLEEN CELL AND MEDIATORS PRODUCTION Original Article

Objective: Snake venom is a complex mixture of many substances such as toxins, enzymes, growth factors, activators and inhibitors with a wide spectrum of biological activities. The envenomation caused by Crotalus atrox venom (VCat) in human is characterized by clinical signs and symptoms resulting from excessive systemic host response. It has been proposed that immune injury is the central mechanism of envenomation. In this study, we investigated the effect of VCat on peritoneal and spleen cells number, splenic index and mediators production from groups of female CD1 mice. Materials: Quantitative analysis of peritoneal and spleen cells was carried out by determined by hemocytometer. The mediators production such as IL-6 and IL-10 levels were determined by enzyme-like immunosorbent assay, whereas TNF and nitrite levels were detected by standard assay with L929 cells and colorimetric Griess reactive, respectively. Results: The present study showed that mice exposed to VCat presented the following: a) significant reduction in peritoneal cells number; b) severe reduction in spleen cells number and pronounced atrophy of spleen volume, c) marked increase in mediators production in the first times after exposition and d) the ratios of TNF/IL-10 showed predominantly an anti-inflammatory response for groups of animals injected with acute doses. Conclusion: In conclusion the peritoneal and spleen cells were found to be severely reduced by VCat. The pronounced reduction of the cells number was an important indicator that this venom affects a wide range of immune cell types. The extent of damage to the immune cells appeared to be related to the length of severe envenomation.
Comparative Study of the Optical and Heat Generation Properties of IR820 and Indocyanine Green

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores are the focus of extensive research for combined molecular imaging and hyperthermia. In this study, we showed that the cyanine dye IR820 has optical and thermal generation properties similar to those of indocyanine green (ICG) but with improved in vitro and in vivo stability. The fluorescent emission of IR820 has a lower quantum yield than ICG but less dependence of the emission peak location on concentration. IR820 demonstrated degradation half-times approximately double those of ICG under all temperature and light conditions in aqueous solution. In hyperthermia applications, IR820 generated lower peak temperatures than ICG (4–9%) after 3-minute laser exposure. However, there was no significant difference in hyperthermia cytotoxicity, with both dyes causing significant cell growth inhibition at concentrations ≥ 5 μM. Fluorescent images of cells with 10 μM IR820 were similar to ICG images. In rats, IR820 resulted in a significantly more intense fluorescence signal and significantly higher organ dye content than for ICG 24 hours after intravenous dye administration (p < .05). Our study shows that IR820 is a feasible agent in experimental models of imaging and hyperthermia and could be an alternative to ICG when greater stability, longer image collection times, or more predictable peak locations are desirable.
Quality assurance in an IPA.

U.S. Healthcare has developed and implemented a state-of-the art quality assurance program building on the strengths of an independent practice association (IPA). The program begins with the criteria for admission of physicians to the plan and extends through recertification and standard setting to linking of compensation to accepted measures of quality of care. This paper describes the components that comprise the quality assurance program.
Prominent T cell response to a selectively in vivo expressed Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein (pG) in patients with Lyme disease

Diagnosis of Lyme disease by analysis of T cell immune responses in vitro is curtailed by poor correlation between test results and status of infection. This is probably due to the inherent nonspecific activation potential of the causative agent, the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, for bystander lymphocytes, in particular via their outer surface lipoproteins. We have now applied a novel protocol to determine specific T cell responses in Lyme disease patients and exclude unrelated cellular responses in vitro. Non‐lipidated spirochetal antigens (OspA, OspC and P39) including those selectively expressed in the mammalian host (pG and BapA) were used for antigenic stimulation and autologous dendritic cells served as antigen‐presenting cells. The majority of patients with well‐defined early and late manifestations of Lyme disease exhibited specific T cell proliferative responses to one or more of the indicated antigens, however at distinct levels. Most notably, among the five antigens tested, pG was specifically recognized by the majority of T cell populations (>70%) – mainly Th1 cells – from patients but not control individuals. These data indicate a causal relationship between B. burgdorferi infection and T cell reactivity to pG, thus making this protein a promising additional diagnostic marker for Lyme disease.