Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activation of erythropoietin receptors by Friend viral gp55 and by erythropoietin and down-modulation by the murine Fv-2r resistance gene.

The leukemogenic membrane glycoprotein (gp55) encoded by Friend spleen focus-forming virus appears to bind to erythropoietin receptors (EpoR) sto stimulate erythroblastosis [Li, J.-P., D'Andrea, A.D., Lodish, H.F. & Baltimore, D. (1990) Nature (London) 343, 762-764]. To directly compare the effects of gp55 with erythropoietin (Epo), we produced retrovirions that encode either gp55, Epo, or EpoR. After infection with EpoR virus, interleukin 3-dependent DA-3 cells bound 125I-labeled Epo and grew without interleukin 3 in the presence of Epo. These latter cells, but not parental DA-3 cells, became factor-independent after superinfection either with Epo virus or with Friend spleen focus-forming virus. In addition, Epo virus caused a disease in mice that mimicked Friend erythroleukemia. Although Fv-2r homozygotes are susceptible to all other retroviral diseases, they are resistant to both Epo viral and Friend viral erythroleukemias. These results indicate that both gp55 and Epo stimulate EpoR and that the Fv-2 gene encodes a protein that controls response to these ligands. However, the Fv-2 protein is not EpoR because the corresponding genes map to opposite ends of mouse chromosome 9. These results have important implications for understanding signal transduction by EpoR and the role of host genetic variation in controlling susceptibility to an oncogenic protein.
Primate theory of mind

Primates, human and non-human alike, have large brains with large neocortices. It has been suggested that primates owe their large brains to the increased social demands of large groups. Within the last 40 years, much research has been done on the socio-cognitive abilities of primates, and since Premack & Woodruff (1978) first coined the term “theory of mind”, many laboratory experiments have been conducted on human and non-human primates’ ability to attribute mental states to others. In the present paper, most of these experiments with non-human primates and a representative part with human children were reviewed. Differences and similarities between human and non-human primate theory of mind were discussed within an evolutionary framework with a special emphasis on enculturation in which non-human primate individuals are hypothesized to develop more advanced socio-cognitive capacities than their conspecifics by living in intimate, extensive contact with humans from an early age. ‘
Validation of genital appearance satisfaction scale and the cosmetic procedure screening scale for women seeking labiaplasty

Abstract Background: Existing outcome studies on women seeking labiaplasty have not used a validated scale that is specific for satisfaction with genital appearance. They have also not screened for the presence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). There are therefore two primary aims of this study (1) to validate the Genital Appearance Satisfaction (GAS) scale in women seeking labiaplasty and (2) to modify and validate a version of the Cosmetic Procedures Screening questionnaire (COPS-L), which has previously been used to screen for BDD. Method: Two groups of women were recruited: a group desiring labiaplasty and a control group. All participants completed the GAS, the COPS-L and other general measures of mood, disgust sensitivity, sexual satisfaction and body image quality of life. Results: Both the GAS and COPS-L demonstrated good internal consistency, concurrent and convergent validity with measures of related constructs, and discriminated between women seeking labiaplasty and controls. Three factors were identified in the GAS but were not robust enough to recommend their use clinically as subscales. The COPS-L discriminated between women seeking labiaplasty with and without BDD. Discussion: We recommend that both the GAS and the COPS-L be routinely used for audit and outcome monitoring of interventions for women distressed by the appearance or function of their genitalia. The GAS has an advantage in assessing additional functional symptoms in such women. The COPS-L may be helpful in identifying women with BDD.
A Novel Wide-Beam Circularly Polarized Antenna for SDARS Applications

In this letter, a novel wide-beam circularly polarized (CP) antenna is presented for satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) band (2320-2345 MHz), intended for application in portable terminals. This new antenna is comprised of four independent radiation units that are axial symmetrical around the center. The radiation unit is miniaturized by using a distributed capacitive load and a short point in its configuration. The antenna is excited by a compact four-way, quadrifilar power splitter, which is implemented by using microstrip phase shifter and couplers. Simulation results match well with the experimental ones, demonstrating a half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of 120°, a 3-dB axial-ratio beamwidth of 180°, and a good match at 2100-2400 MHz. The developed antenna is based on low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) technique and can be easily integrated with other microwave circuits.
Size Matters: Saccades during Scene Perception

We investigated the effect of image size on saccade amplitudes. First, in a meta-analysis, relevant results from previous scene perception studies are summarised, suggesting the possibility of a linear relationship between mean saccade amplitude and image size. Forty-eight observers viewed 96 colour scene images scaled to four different sizes, while their eye movements were recorded. Mean and median saccade amplitudes were found to be directly proportional to image size, while the mode of the distribution lay in the range of very short saccades. However, saccade amplitudes expressed as percentages of image size were not constant over the different image sizes; on smaller stimulus images, the relative saccades were found to be larger, and vice versa. In sum, and as far as mean and median saccade amplitudes are concerned, the size of stimulus images is the dominant factor. Other factors, such as image properties, viewing task, or measurement equipment, are only of subordinate importance. Thus, the role of stimulus size has to be reconsidered, in theoretical as well as methodological terms.
A Building Blocks Approach to Translation Memory

Traditional Translation Memory systems that find the best match between a SL input sentence and SL sentences in a database of previously translated sentences are not ideal. Studies in the cognitive processes underlying human translation reveal that translators very rarely process SL text at the level of the sentence. The units with which translators work are usually much smaller i.e. word, syntactic unit, clause or group of meaningful words. A building blocks approach (a term borrowed from the theoretical framework discussed in Lange et al (1997)), is advantageous in that it extracts fragments of text, from a traditional TM database, that more closely represent those with which a human translator works. The text fragments are combined with the intention of producing TL translations that are more accurate, thus requiring less post- editing on the part of the translator.
Three essays on cross-border mergers and acquisitions

OF DISSERTATION THREE ESSAYS ON CROSS-BORDER MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS This dissertation consists of three essays on cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As). The first essay studies horizontal and vertical investments between Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, while the second essay examines how investment patterns vary by country development. The third essay estimates the effect of merger policy reform on cross-border M&A activity in Europe. The first essay tests how well theories of horizontal and vertical foreign direct investment (FDI) explain observed patterns of cross-border M&As in OECD countries. Horizontal investment occurs when multinational firms produce in foreign countries to serve the foreign market, whereas vertical investment occurs when multinational firms source intermediate goods from foreign affiliates for final assembly and sales at home. The former is often used to displace exports when transport costs exceed local production costs, while the latter is often driven by cross-country factor price differentials. Little support is found for the traditional explanations of FDI as results indicate horizontal and vertical investments look much more similar than previously believed. The second essay challenges long-standing beliefs that the majority of FDI within the developed world is horizontal, whereas investments into developing nations are predominantly vertical. Developed-developed FDI is largely cross-border M&As and FDI into developing nations typically consists of greenfield investments. However, crossborder M&As are becoming more popular in developing countries and, contrary to previous beliefs, the proportion of horizontal and vertical investment is independent of country development. Results suggest trade costs have a stronger effect on developing countries, while no clear support is found for the idea that factor endowment drives vertical investments in developing nations. The third essay examines how reforms to European Commission Merger Regulation (ECMR) in 2004 affected cross-border M&A activity in Europe. The ECMR outlines competition rules and empowers the European Commission (EC) to block anticompetitive mergers adversely affecting the European market. Details of the reform suggest the law was expanded to cover more mergers, which is expected to have a nonpositive effect on merger activity. Difference-in-differences results suggest the reform had no significant effect on cross-border merger activity in countries within the EC’s jurisdiction.
Cross-layer combining of adaptive modulation with truncated ARQ in SIMO systems with imperfect CSI at receiver

In this paper we provide an adaptive cross layer design in single input multiple output systems which combines adaptive modulation at the physical layer with truncated automatic repeat request at the data link layer to maximize the spectral efficiency. The maximization is performed in the presence of imperfect channel state information at the receiver under prescribed quality of service such as delay and error rate constraints. Linear minimum mean square error filter with the aid of adaptive pilot symbols is used to facilitate estimation process. We provide closed forms expression for average spectral efficiency and average packet error rate over Ray-leigh fading channel. Numerical results demonstrate that our adaptive cross layer design improves the spectral efficiency while meet the prescribed quality of service, especially when the large number of receive antennas is used. Also we find out that, the increment of spectral efficiency decreases when the maximum number of retransmission is higher than two.
Effects of anti-CD 44 monoclonal antibodies on differentiation and apoptosis of human myeloid leukemia cell lines

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous leukemia characterized by the blockage of myeloid differentiation at different stages, which define distinct AML subtypes. We have recently reported that the ligation of CD44 with 2 activating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), A3D8 and H90, triggers terminal differentiation of leukemic blasts in AML-M1/2 to AML-M5 subtypes, which are the most frequent ones. However, fresh AML blasts have short in vitro lifespans. Therefore, to find relevant in vitro cellular models for further studying the mechanisms involved in CD44-induced differentiation, we investigated whether CD44 ligation with A3D8 and H90 mAbs can induce terminal differentiation of THP-1, NB4, and HL60 cells, each interesting models of AML-M5 (monoblastic subtype), AML-M3 (promyelocytic subtype), and AML-M2 (myeloblastic subtype), respectively. We also study whether CD44 ligation induces a loss of proliferative capacity, an important feature of late-stage myeloid differentiation. In the second part of our study, we investigated whether A3D8 and H90 antiCD44 mAbs can induce the differentiation and inhibit the proliferation of KG1a cells, which are very immature AML-M0 blasts. Using functional, antigenic, and cytologic criteria, we presently show that A3D8 and/or H90 induce terminal differentiation of THP-1, HL60, and NB4 cell lines and strongly inhibit their proliferation. Interestingly, cell-specific effects of H90 and A3D8 are observed. We also observe that incubation with A3D8 for 3 to 6 days induces an apoptotic cell death that is moderate in the case of THP-1 and HL60 cells and massive in the case of NB4 cells. Finally, our results demonstrate for the first time that it is possible to reverse the leukemic blockage of KG1a cells by using both an anti-CD44 mAb and retinoic acid. This result may provide a new experimental basis for a differentiative therapy in AML-M0 patients. (Blood. 2002;99: 290-299)
Previous Experimental Results : Multiple-Presentation List Recall

Associative learning is an important part of human cognition, and is thought to play key role in list learning. We present here an account of associative learning that learns asymmetric itemto-item associations, strengthening or weakening associations over time with repeated exposures. This account, combined with an existing account of activation strengthening and decay, predicts the complicated results of a multi-trial free and serial recall task, including asymmetric contiguity effects that strengthen over time (Klein, Addis, & Kahana, 2005).
From "carefree casuals" to "professional wanderers": Segmentation possibilities for football supporters

Academically constructed segments may often fail to be implemented by practitioners. There may be a number of reasons for this, but at the heart of the matter for practitioners must be an economic reward that outweighs the incremental costs of segmenting. Central to this issue is the ease with which different types of data can be collected and used. Experience from direct marketing practice suggests that segments based on customer value and customer benefits sought often lead to successful strategies. Accordingly, looks to utilise these variables to complement the traditional use of geo‐demographic and psychographic approaches. Examines the business of football. Using a mixed qualitative and survey based approach, an exploration of football supporters was undertaken with the objective of identifying segmentation opportunities. A number of new segments were identified, among them “professional wanderers”; “carefree casuals” and “repertoire fans”. Suggests directions for broader studies. Hopes that this work will better inform the marketing efforts of professional sports franchises and indeed all leisure sectors that rely on regular live audiences for their livelihood.
A reconfigurable parts feeder with an array of pins

This paper presents a simple parts feeder consisting of a grid of retractable pins on a vertical plate to manipulate polygonal parts. This reconfigurable "Pachinko machine" is intended as a parts feeding device for flexible assembly. A part dropped on this device may come to rest on the actuated pins, or bounce out or fall through. We can control the set of equilibrium part configurations by selecting the set of actuated pins. The objective is to automatically compute sequences of pin actuation that bring the part to a goal configuration without predicting the exact object motion between equilibria. Our approach is based on the construction of the capture region of each part equilibrium. Reorienting a part reduces to building a directed graph whose nodes consist of equilibria and whose area link pairs of nodes such that the first equilibrium lies in the capture region of the second one, and then exploring this graph to find paths from initial to goal states. We have implemented an algorithm to generate the capture regions and these paths, and have conducted experiments on a prototype Pachinko machine.
Rural primary care in Greece: working under limited resources.

OBJECTIVE Establishing sufficient primary health-care services in rural areas is of high interest in developing health systems. The objective of the present study was to describe the state of rural health services, in terms of personnel and equipment, in rural primary care settings in Greece. DESIGN A questionnaire was sent to all Greek rural settings (RS) (practices) twice during 2007. The questionnaire included questions about the number of doctors in the practice, their specialty, presence of a nurse, population served and average distance from the regional Health Center and hospital. It also included questions about the average number of consultations per day, home visits, maintenance of medical records and medical equipment. SETTING Rural primary care settings in Greece. PARTICIPANTS Doctors serving primary care needs during the second half of 2007. INTERVENTION s) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE s) Data concerning staffing, function and available equipment of the RS have been collected. RESULTS Five hundred eighty-two (40.9%) of the rural practitioners replied. Twenty-nine percent of the participants were general practitioners (GPs). Doctors reported average population of responsibility of 2263 citizens and a regular average of 26 consultations per day. A nurse was present in 174 RS (29.5%). Medical records of any form were kept in only 36% of the RS. GPs were more prone to maintain patients files compared with non-specialized doctors. Essential equipment proved to be limited in the majority of the RS. CONCLUSIONS Rural practices in Greece report shortages of medical staff (GPs), nursing staff and equipment.
Measuring Sprawl and Its Transportation Impacts

Across the United States, urban sprawl, its impacts, and appropriate containment policies have become the most hotly debated issues in urban planning. Today’s debates have no anchoring definition of sprawl, which has contributed to their unfocused, dogmatic quality. Efforts to measure sprawl and test for relationships between sprawl and transportation outcomes are described. This is the first use of the newly minted Rutgers–Cornell sprawl indicators. Sprawl is operationalized by combining many variables into a few factors representing density, land use mix, degree of centering, and street accessibility. This consolidation of variables is accomplished with principal component analysis. These factors are then related to vehicle ownership, commute mode choice, commute time, vehicle miles traveled per capita, traffic delay per capita, traffic fatalities per capita, and 8-h ozone level. These associations are made with multiple regression analysis. For most travel and transportation outcomes, sprawling regions perform less well than compact ones. The exceptions are average commute time and annual traffic delay per capita, which do not clearly favor compactness over sprawl. The main limitation of this study has to do with the data it uses. By necessity, the study uses highly aggregate data from a variety of sources that are not always consistent as to the area under study and time period. They are simply the best data available from national sources with sufficient breadth to provide a panoramic view of sprawl in the United States. Results will have to be validated through follow-up work of a more focused nature.
Has IFRS resulted in information overload

The move to NZ IFRS has been surrounded by complaints of too much information being provided. This is not simply a matter of the cost of providing the information, but the possibility of data overload. Data overload is an important issue as it impacts information search strategies and decision outcomes. This relevant for the current debate on differential reporting and for assessing whether NZ IFRS has achieved its goals of reducing the cost of financial analysis. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the move to international financial reporting by New Zealand listed entities on the quantity of data provided in the annual report. Our analysis shows that the annual report increased for 92% of our sample firms. The average increase in size was 29% of the prior years‟ annual report and arose through notes to the accounts and accounting policies. Even after transitional information (e.g., accounting policies and reconciliations) the increase is 15%.
Outsourcing: Outsourcing research agenda

H aving studied key outsourcing trends and outsourcing research, proposed a new perspective on outsourcing and firm performance, elaborated on that perspective in various ways, and sketched some practical guidelines for dealing with outsourcing, we now need to consider the agenda for academic research on outsourcing. This chapter will do just that by looking first at theoretical challenges. Based on the discussion of outsourcing in this book, a number of theoretical challenges have arisen. Each of these will be discussed in turn and then an attempt will be made at providing an integrated answer. Next, some possible extensions will be discussed. Finally, various methodological, methodical, and empirical challenges will be discussed as well. Theoretical challenges Economizing and socializing perspectives As discussed earlier, outsourcing has mostly been viewed as an economizing (Williamson, 1991a) phenomenon in the management literature, whether it is through a transaction cost, resource-based, or other economizing lens. The economizing perspective proposes a set of antecedent variables, primarily transaction and firm conditions, which are supposed to predict governance structures (outsourcing levels). Deviation from these predictions, also called misalignment, is a costly affair. The substantial explanatory power of the economizing perspective for understanding levels of outsourcing was discussed. Yet sole reliance on using this perspective as the holy grail of outsourcing was also critiqued. A number of specific complements to economizing were proposed that might broadly be categorized under the heading of “socializing. ” These included concepts and theories such as organizational inertia, increasing commitment, bandwagoning, and organizational politics.
Beta‐Adrenoceptor Blockade and CNS‐Related Subjective Symptoms: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Comparison of Metoprolol CR/ZOK, Atenolol and Propranolol LA in Healthy Subjects

The effect of once daily treatment with atenolol (100 mg), metoprolol CR/ZOK (100 mg) and propranolol LA (160 mg) for one week on CNS‐related subjective symptoms was compared with that of placebo using a randomised, double‐blind cross‐over design in 12 healthy volunteers. The symptoms were recorded using a previously documented self‐administered questionnaire (MSE‐profile), which included three dimensions: Contentment, Vitality and Sleep.