Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lehman Brothers: Did Markets Know?

On September 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers Inc. announced their filing for bankruptcy. The reaction of Lehman's competitors and market participants to this bankruptcy filing announcement provides a unique field experiment of how the insolvency spills over to other financial institutions and how interconnectedness might trigger a financial crisis. Specifically, we analyze transaction prices of major U.S. investment and commercial banks prior to and after the bankruptcy. By decomposing their equity bid-ask spreads, we find evidence that the bankruptcy contributed to increasing adverse selection risk as well as inventory holding risk. Moreover, we find supporting evidence that the degree of competition among market makers did decline. All three components did contribute to a significant rise in transaction costs. Interestingly, the relative contribution of each channel has remained roughly constant. Finally, there is little evidence about insider information within the banking industry just prior to the bankruptcy. In the case of Lehman's stocks the adverse selection component rises in the last days of trading prior to the bankruptcy filing announcement. Moreover, we find no evidence of an increase in the adverse selection component of potential bidders, from which we interpret that the market did not expect a take-over or merger. We explore the robustness of our decomposition by employing volume-synchronized probability of informed trading-measures and impact regressions on prices, quantities, and their respective innovations. In general, we find that information effects are rather short-lived except for the three days prior to the Lehman insolvency.
Conversion from tacrolimus to cyclosporine A for new‐onset diabetes after transplantation: a single‐centre experience in renal transplanted patients and review of the literature

Tacrolimus (TRL) increases the incidence of new‐onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation (NODAT). Little is known about whether conversion from TRL to cyclosporine A (CsA) improves glucose metabolism in patients with NODAT. We retrospectively analysed glucose metabolism parameters in 54 TRL‐treated renal transplant patients who developed NODAT. Thirty‐four were converted to CsA whereas 20 patients continued TRL. After conversion, fasting plasma glucose decreased from 146 ± 64 to 104 ± 20 mg/dl (P < 0.0001) and HbA1c levels decreased from 6.8 ± 0.8% to 6.0 ± 0.6% (P < 0.0001) after 1 year of follow‐up. The remission rate of NODAT reached 42% (95% confidence interval 24–59%) 1 year after conversion versus 0% in the control group (P = 0.001). Blood pressure and lipid levels were stable after conversion although the use of statins significantly increased (P < 0.01). The conversion was safe in terms of graft function and acute rejection episodes. The 1‐year patient survival and graft survival rate were 100%. In conclusion, our results suggest a significant improvement of glucose metabolism after conversion to CsA in renal transplant patients with NODAT.
Motor function after spaced contralateral hemisections in the spinal cord

THOUGH THE SPINAL CORD forins a small portion of the central nervous system quantitatively, it carries on manifold and important functions involving structures in the major part of the body. As such, it offers an opportunity to investigate basic factors in restitution of voluntary motor function, a phenomenon whicl. has been difficult to explain on neurologic grounds. We have approached the problem by making lower hemisections between the phrenic center and the second thoracic spinal cord segment, following high cervical hemisections on the opposite side. This permits observations to be made on the immediate and long-range effects of the second hemisection on the opposite recovered side, as well as the remaining nerve pathways from higher centers.
Evaluation of vascular complications of pancreas transplantation with high-spatial-resolution contrast-enhanced MR angiography.

PURPOSE To retrospectively evaluate high-spatial-resolution contrast material-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography for assessment of vascular complications of pancreas allografts. MATERIALS AND METHODS The institutional review board approved the study and waived the requirement for informed patient consent owing to the retrospective nature of the study with use of an anonymous-subject database. The study was HIPAA compliant. The clinical and MR angiography findings in 11 patients (eight men, three women; mean age, 43 years; age range, 30-54 years) who had a history of pancreatic transplant dysfunction and underwent a total of 13 contrast-enhanced 3D MR angiography examinations were retrospectively reviewed. Comparison with conventional angiography findings was possible for four MR angiography examinations, comparison with surgical findings was possible for two examinations, and clinical follow-up was possible for all examinations. Two observers in consensus and blinded to the clinical results performed image analysis of the arterial and venous segments. Classification agreement was assessed with quadratic weighted kappa statistics. RESULTS Ten MR angiography examinations revealed vascular complications or signs suggestive of rejection. Only three examinations were considered to have completely normal results. All major complications were detected and included complete or partial arterial graft occlusion, stenosis of the arterial Y-graft caused by a kink, complete venous thrombosis, and arteriovenous fistula with pseudoaneurysm formation. For 46 arterial segments and 15 venous segments with angiographic and/or surgical comparison, overall agreement with MR angiography findings was nearly perfect (mean kappa, 0.983; standard error of the mean, 0.128). CONCLUSION High-spatial-resolution MR angiography of pancreas allografts enables assessment of the arterial and venous vascular anatomy and can be used to reliably identify clinically relevant vascular complications.
Comparison of finite difference and boundary integral solutions to three‐dimensional spontaneous rupture

The spontaneously propagating shear crack on a frictional interface has proven to be a useful idealization of a natural earthquake. The corresponding boundary value problems are nonlinear and usually require computationally intensive numerical methods for their solution. Assessing the convergence and accuracy of the numerical methods is challenging, as we lack appropriate analytical solutions for comparison. As a complement to other methods of assessment, we compare solutions obtained by two independent numerical methods, a finite difference method and a boundary integral (BI) method. The finite difference implementation, called DFM, uses a traction-at-split-node formulation of the fault discontinuity. The BI implementation employs spectral representation of the stress transfer functional. The three-dimensional (3-D) test problem involves spontaneous rupture spreading on a planar interface governed by linear slip-weakening friction that essentially defines a cohesive law. To get a priori understanding of the spatial resolution that would be required in this and similar problems, we review and combine some simple estimates of the cohesive zone sizes which correspond quite well to the sizes observed in simulations. We have assessed agreement between the methods in terms of the RMS differences in rupture time, final slip, and peak slip rate and related these to median and minimum measures of the cohesive zone resolution observed in the numerical solutions. The BI and DFM methods give virtually indistinguishable solutions to the 3-D spontaneous rupture test problem when their grid spacing Δx is small enough so that the solutions adequately resolve the cohesive zone, with at least three points for BI and at least five node points for DFM. Furthermore, grid-dependent differences in the results, for each of the two methods taken separately, decay as a power law in Δx, with the same convergence rate for each method, the calculations apparently converging to a common, grid interval invariant solution. This result provides strong evidence for the accuracy of both methods. In addition, the specific solution presented here, by virtue of being demonstrably grid-independent and consistent between two very different numerical methods, may prove useful for testing new numerical methods for spontaneous rupture problems.
Intron-specific shRNA-mediated downregulation of survivin and promotion of apoptosis in HeLa cells

Overexpression of the survivin gene contributes to tumorigenesis; it has been recognized as an important target for cancer therapy. In the present study, survivin expression was suppressed using recombinant plasmid mediated short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that were constructed to target exonic or intronic sequences of the survivin gene. In addition, a negative control shRNA was constructed. HeLa cells were transfected with specific shRNA constructs and the blocking efficiency of each shRNA was assessed at the mRNA and protein levels; and the five shRNA constructs with higher blocking efficiency were selected. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry (FCM) following Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining. Hoechst staining was used to detect the morphological diversity of the nuclei in apoptotic cells. The results demonstrated that survivin expression was effectively reduced by the transfection of shRNAs in HeLa cells. In addition, the apoptotic rates of the shRNA-treated groups were significantly increased compared with the negative control group according to the FCM results. The nuclei of HeLa cells exhibited apoptotic characteristics in the shRNA-treated groups as identified by Hoechst staining. Survivin-targeting shRNAs effectively downregulated the expression of the gene and markedly increased the apoptotic rate of HeLa cells. Data from the present study also indicated that the intron-specific shRNA demonstrate a high efficiency of inhibition of survivin expression and were able to induce cell apoptosis of HeLa cells through RNAi, potentially providing novel target sites for tumor therapy. In conclusion, the present study suggests that intron-specific blocking of survivin by RNAi may provide a tool for anticancer therapy.
Association of Thrombomodulin Gene Polymorphisms and Plasma Thrombomodulin Levels With Acute Myocardial Infarction in North Indian Patients

This is the first study from north India that investigated the association of thrombomodulin (TM) polymorphisms with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in 350 patients (≤ 40 years, n = 184 and ≥ 60 years, n = 166) and 350 matched-controls. The TM polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction–single-stranded conformational polymorphism and DNA sequencing. The TM 1418TT genotype (odds ratio [OR] 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-6.4; P = .012) was independent risk predictor of young AMI as were hypertension (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.8-5.9; P < .001), diabetes mellitus (OR 14.3; 95% CI 2.9-44.6; P = .001), smoking (OR 13.8; 95% CI 7.7-24.7; P < .001), family history (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-3.3; P = .045), high body mass index (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3-3.6; P = .002), and high waist–hip ratio (OR 4.1; 95% CI 2.4-7.1; P < .001). Mean plasma TM also showed association with young AMI (P < .001). Smoking carriers of TM 1418CT + TT genotype had significantly higher risk of AMI (OR 12.8; 95% CI 6.0-27.3; P < .001) when compared with nonsmoking noncarriers. In conclusion, TM 1418C/T polymorphism is independent predictor of AMI and synergies with smoking.
Core Loss Computation in a Permanent Magnet Transverse Flux Motor With Rotating Fluxes

This paper presents the core loss computation in a permanent magnet transverse flux motor (TFM) with soft magnetic composite stator core and mild steel rotor yoke, in which the magnetic fluxes rotate. The computation is based on modified core loss models and finite element magnetic field analysis [finite element analysis (FEA)]. The coefficients for the core loss models are obtained by curve-fitting measurements on samples, and the magnetic flux density patterns in the motor are obtained by time-stepping FEA while operating conditions are considered. The computations of the motor core losses agree with the measured values on the TFM prototype.
Ancient and modern DNA reveal dynamics of domestication and cross-continental dispersal of the dromedary

Significance The dromedary is one of the largest domesticates, sustainably used in arid and hostile environments. It provides food and transport to millions of people in marginal agricultural areas. We show how important long-distance and back-and-forth movements in ancient caravan routes shaped the species’ genetic diversity. Using a global sample set and ancient mitochondrial DNA analyses, we describe the population structure in modern dromedaries and their wild extinct ancestors. Phylogenetic analyses of ancient and modern dromedaries suggest a history of restocking from wild animals from the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Dromedaries now extend the list of species for which classic models of domestication from a single center and from wild conspecific individuals in isolation are rejected. Dromedaries have been fundamental to the development of human societies in arid landscapes and for long-distance trade across hostile hot terrains for 3,000 y. Today they continue to be an important livestock resource in marginal agro-ecological zones. However, the history of dromedary domestication and the influence of ancient trading networks on their genetic structure have remained elusive. We combined ancient DNA sequences of wild and early-domesticated dromedary samples from arid regions with nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial genotype information from 1,083 extant animals collected across the species’ range. We observe little phylogeographic signal in the modern population, indicative of extensive gene flow and virtually affecting all regions except East Africa, where dromedary populations have remained relatively isolated. In agreement with archaeological findings, we identify wild dromedaries from the southeast Arabian Peninsula among the founders of the domestic dromedary gene pool. Approximate Bayesian computations further support the “restocking from the wild” hypothesis, with an initial domestication followed by introgression from individuals from wild, now-extinct populations. Compared with other livestock, which show a long history of gene flow with their wild ancestors, we find a high initial diversity relative to the native distribution of the wild ancestor on the Arabian Peninsula and to the brief coexistence of early-domesticated and wild individuals. This study also demonstrates the potential to retrieve ancient DNA sequences from osseous remains excavated in hot and dry desert environments.
Profile of José N. Onuchic

Onuchic, 52, is a professor of physics and codirector of the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and grew up in Sao Carlos, where his parents were both professors of mathematics at the local campus of the Universidade de Sao Paulo. There, he obtained bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering (1980) and physics (1981), as well as his master's degree in applied physics (1982). He is not the only one in his family with a flair for science: his sister and a brother are physicians, and another brother is an engineer. His wife is an elementary school teacher, and they have three college-aged sons.
An Overview of Intrusion Detection System (IDS) along with its Commonly Used Techniques and Classifications

The area of intrusion detection is the central concept in overall network and computer security architecture. It is an important technology in business sector as well as in research area. By monitoring the computer and network resources, Intrusion Detection System (IDS) detects any of the misuse or unauthorized access which is basically an attack to these resources. Then it alerts and informs administrator for occurrence of an intrusion. Several methods can be used to detect an intrusion. In this paper, we have discussed the introduction of intrusion detection system, its types and then different techniques that are commonly used. This paper will be helpful for the new researchers who want to know the basic knowledge of intrusion detection systems. It will help them to understand what intrusion detection is and what are the techniques commonly used for it.
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: What’s new?

Type VII collagen is an adhesion molecule of the extracellular matrix in epithelial basement membranes, and the main constituent of anchoring fibrils at the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ). Autoimmunity against this protein is causing the rare organ‐specific epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). EBA is a rare acquired, heterogeneous, chronic blistering disease of skin disease of skin and mucous membranes characterized by subepidermal blisters and tissue‐bound as well as circulating autoantibodies to the DEJ. EBA has several distinct clinical presentations with other subepidermal bullous diseases, such as mainly dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa or bullous pemphigoid. The circulating immunoglobulin G autoantibodies for EBA react with a 290‐kDa dermal protein, type VII collagen, as detected by immunoblot analysis using dermal extracts. The pathogenicity of these autoantibodies has been demonstrated by experimental animal models, in which anti‐type VII collagen antibodies injected into a mouse produced an EBA‐like blistering disease in the animal. EBA cases often require high doses of systemic corticosteroids and a variety of immunosuppressants. Although treatment for EBA is frequently difficult and unsatisfactory, some therapeutic success has been reported with colchicine, dapsone, infliximab and i.v. immunoglobulin. In this review, we will focus on recent progress in our understanding of the clinical manifestations, the etiopathogenesis as well as the management of EBA.
Changing reproductive effort within a semelparous reproductive episode.

UNLABELLED • PREMISE OF THE STUDY Life-history theory predicts a trade-off between current and future reproduction for iteroparous organisms-as individuals age, the expected value of future reproduction declines, and thus reproductive effort is expected to be higher in later clutches than in earlier. In contrast, models explaining the evolution of semelparity treat semelparous reproduction as instantaneous, with no scope for intraindividual variation. However, semelparous reproduction is also extended, but over shorter time scales; whether there are similar age- or stage-specific changes in reproductive effort within a semelparous episode is unclear. In this study, we assessed whether semelparous individuals increase reproductive effort as residual reproductive value declines by comparing the reproductive phenotype of flowers at five different floral positions along a main inflorescence. • METHODS Using the herbaceous monocarp Lobelia inflata, we conducted a longitudinal study of 409 individuals including both laboratory and field populations over three seasons. We recorded six reproductive traits-including the length of three phenological intervals as well as fruit size, seed size, and seed number-for all plants across floral positions produced throughout the reproductive episode. • KEY RESULTS We found that while the rate of flower initiation did not change, flowers at distal (late) floral positions developed more quickly and contained larger seed than flowers at basal (early) floral positions did. • CONCLUSIONS Our results were consistent with the hypothesis that, like iteroparous organisms, L. inflata increases reproductive effort in response to low residual reproductive value.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit Neutrophil Apoptosis: A Model for Neutrophil Preservation in the Bone Marrow Niche

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) establish close interactions with bone marrow sinusoids in a putative perivascular niche. These vessels contain a large storage pool of mature nonproliferating neutrophils. Here, we have investigated the effects of human bone marrow MSC on neutrophil survival and effector functions. MSC from healthy donors, at very low MSC:neutrophil ratios (up to 1:500), significantly inhibited apoptosis of resting and interleukin (IL)‐8‐activated neutrophils and dampened N‐formyl‐l‐methionin‐l‐leucyl‐l‐phenylalanine (f‐MLP)‐induced respiratory burst. The antiapoptotic activity of MSC did not require cell‐to‐cell contact, as shown by transwell experiments. Antibody neutralization experiments demonstrated that the key MSC‐derived soluble factor responsible for neutrophil protection from apoptosis was IL‐6, which signaled by activating STAT‐3 transcription factor. Furthermore, IL‐6 expression was detected in MSC by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, recombinant IL‐6 was found to protect neutrophils from apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. MSC had no effect on neutrophil phagocytosis, expression of adhesion molecules, and chemotaxis in response to IL‐8, f‐MLP, or C5a. These results support the following conclusions: (a) in the bone marrow niche, MSC likely protect neutrophils of the storage pool from apoptosis, preserving their effector functions and preventing the excessive or inappropriate activation of the oxidative metabolism, and (b) a novel mechanism whereby the inflammatory potential of activated neutrophils is harnessed by inhibition of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production without impairing phagocytosis and chemotaxis has been identified.
HRM in paradise: Similar or different?: A study of tourist resorts in the Maldives

This paper explores human resource management (HRM) practices, and factors that influence the adoption of HRM in resorts in the Maldives. Using a multiple-case study approach, HRM in resorts were explored by comparing international hotel chains and local resorts. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders of seven resorts and from a range of secondary sources. The findings show that there is a high uptake of HRM in resorts. The findings also show that there is a considerable degree of similarity across the resorts in relation to the use of HRM practices providing support for the perspectives of new institutionalism. The factors contributing to similarities in the use of HRM practices and how they affect HRM are discussed. The paper concludes that the homogeneity of HRM practices is largely driven by institutional factors.