Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflationary Expectations in Ethiopia: Some Preliminary Results

We analyze short-run dynamics of inflation in Ethiopia, using a parsimonious error-correction model fitted with monthly observations. Our findings show that increased money supply and the nominal exchange rate significantly affect inflation in the short-run. Agricultural output shocks, proxied by a cereal-weighted agricultural production index, are also important. By providing an accommodative financial environment, our findings suggest that monetary policy in Ethiopia triggers price inertia, which has large and persistent effects. A simulation suggests that monetary policy alone may be unfeasible to control inflation effectively. To circumvent an extreme tightening with discouraging impacts on growth, additional measures are needed. These should improve the transparency and credibility of monetary policy, and reduce structural barriers that affect price formation and market efficiency.
Tapping Deep Pockets: The Role of Resources and Social Capital on Financial Capital Acquisition by Biotechnology Firms in Biotechpharma Alliances

Strategic alliances with pharmaceutical firms allow small biotechnology firms to acquire needed financial capital in exchange for sharing new, cutting-edge technologies. This study draws from aspects of resource-based view and social capital theory to examine the factors that influence the extent of financial capital biotech firms acquire when forming an alliance with pharmaceutical firms. Using a sample of 184 alliances from the period 1995–2000, we found that alliances where the pharmaceutical firm has greater management control are associated with greater acquisition of financial capital by the biotech firm. We also found that the credibility of the pharmaceutical firm is positively associated with the extent of financial capital acquired by the biotechnology firm and that the number of patents that the biotech firm has is negatively associated to the financial capital the biotech firm receives. We discuss the implications of our findings for theory, research, and management practice.
Extreme hyperbilirubinaemia in term and near‐term infants in Denmark

Aim: To determine the incidence amongst infants born at term or near‐term of extreme hyperbilirubinaemia, i.e., with a serum concentration of unconjugated bilirubin exceeding the limit above which an exchange transfusion was indicated according to the authorized guidelines. Method: The investigation period covered 2 y, 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2001, and included all infants born alive at term or near‐term in Denmark. All infants with extreme hyperbilirubinaemia admitted to paediatric departments were recorded. Results: Thirty‐two infants developed extreme hyperbilirubinaemia, i.e., an incidence of 25 per 100 000. The maximum total serum bilirubin concentration (TSB) was 492 (385–689) μmol/l (median (range)). The median value of the exchange transfusion limits was 450 μmol/l. Twelve infants had signs and symptoms of central nervous system involvement; 11 had acute bilirubin encephalopathy phase‐1 symptoms; and one had phase‐2 symptoms. Nineteen infants developed extreme hyperbilirubinaemia during primary admission to the maternity ward or neonatal department; the others after having been discharged. There was no difference in maximum TSB between those infants not discharged from hospital and those infants admitted to hospital from home. Maximum TSB appeared latest amongst those infants admitted from home (p<0.01), and these more often had signs and symptoms of central nervous system involvement (p<0.05). Ten infants were of non‐Caucasian extraction. Less than half of all Danish mothers receive both verbal and written information after birth on jaundice in the infant.
Noah and Joseph Effects in Government Budgets : Analyzing Long-Term Memory

This article examines the combined effects of what mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot has termed “Noah” and “Joseph” effects in U.S. national government budgeting. Noah effects, which reference the biblical great flood, are large changes or punctuations, far larger than could be expected given the Gaussian or Normal models that social scientists typically employ. Joseph effects refer to the seven fat and seven lean years that Joseph predicted to the Pharaoh. They are “near cycles” or “runs” in time series that look cyclical, but are not, because they do not occur on a regular, predictable basis. The Joseph effect is long-term memory in time series. Public expenditures in the United States from 1800 to 2004 shows clear Noah and Joseph effects. For the whole budget, these effects are strong prior to World War II (WWII) and weaker afterward. For individual programs, however, both effects are clearly detectable after WWII. Before WWII, budgeting was neither incremental nor well behaved because punctuations were even more severe and memory was not characterized by simple autoregressive properties. The obvious break that occurred after WWII could have signaled a regime shift in how policy was made in America, but even the more stable modern world is far more uncertain than the traditional incremental view.
Energetics, kinetics, and pathway of SNARE folding and assembly revealed by optical tweezers

Soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are universal molecular engines that drive membrane fusion. Particularly, synaptic SNAREs mediate fast calcium‐triggered fusion of neurotransmitter‐containing vesicles with plasma membranes for synaptic transmission, the basis of all thought and action. During membrane fusion, complementary SNAREs located on two apposed membranes (often called t‐ and v‐SNAREs) join together to assemble into a parallel four‐helix bundle, releasing the energy to overcome the energy barrier for fusion. A long‐standing hypothesis suggests that SNAREs act like a zipper to draw the two membranes into proximity and thereby force them to fuse. However, a quantitative test of this SNARE zippering hypothesis was hindered by difficulties to determine the energetics and kinetics of SNARE assembly and to identify the relevant folding intermediates. Here, we first review different approaches that have been applied to study SNARE assembly and then focus on high‐resolution optical tweezers. We summarize the folding energies, kinetics, and pathways of both wild‐type and mutant SNARE complexes derived from this new approach. These results show that synaptic SNAREs assemble in four distinct stages with different functions: slow N‐terminal domain association initiates SNARE assembly; a middle domain suspends and controls SNARE assembly; and rapid sequential zippering of the C‐terminal domain and the linker domain directly drive membrane fusion. In addition, the kinetics and pathway of the stagewise assembly are shared by other SNARE complexes. These measurements prove the SNARE zippering hypothesis and suggest new mechanisms for SNARE assembly regulated by other proteins.
Characteristics of laparoscopic microwave ablation with renal tissue: Experimental in vivo study using a porcine model

Abstract Purpose: A model of in vivo porcine kidneys is used to clarify the characteristics of laparoscopic microwave ablation (MWA) of renal tissue. Materials and methods: Six pigs were utilised for the experiment using 18G water circulating-cooling microwave needles. The operating frequency was 2450 MHz, and the independent variables were power (50–60 W) and time (300–600 s). The kidneys were dissociated laparoscopically and ablated with a single or double needle at different power/time combinations and depths of puncture. Changes in the kidneys were carefully observed. Specimens of the ablated lesions were stained with haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) to evaluate the pathological features. Results: Thirty-four thermoablations were applied. The effective ablation shape was similar to a chestnut. The ablated lesions could be divided into three zones: carbonization zone, coagulation zone, and inflammatory reaction zone. The ablation zone enlarged with increasing power and time. When combined with two needles, the maximum diameter of the ablated lesions significantly increased. Pathological results indicated that renal tissues of the carbonisation zone were thoroughly necrotic. Coagulative necrosis was observed in the coagulation zone. No ‘skipped’ areas were noted in any ablation zone. The structure of the inflammatory reaction zone was integrated, and interstitial small blood vessels were highly expanded and congested with infiltrated inflammatory cells. Conclusions: MWA achieved excellent effects in this porcine model. It can be safely and effectively used in renal tissue. For patients with poor physical condition or small renal masses (<4 cm), we can refer to these data and select the appropriate combinations to obtain satisfactory therapeutic efficacy.
An Agent Trading on Behalf of V2G Drivers in a Day-ahead Price Market

Due to the limited availability of fuel resources, there is an urgent need for converting to use renewable sources efficiently. To achieve this, power consumers should participate actively in power production and consumption. Consumers nowadays can produce power and consume a portion of it locally, and then could offer the rest of the power to the grid. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) which is one of the most effective sustainable solutions, could provide these opportunities. V2G can be defined as a situation where electric vehicles (EVs) offer electric power to the grid when parked. We developed an agent to trade on behalf of V2G users to maximize their profits in a day-ahead price market. We then ran the proposed model in three different scenarios using an optimal algorithm and compared the results of our solution to a benchmark. We show that our solution outperforms the benchmark strategy in the proposed three scenarios 49%, 51%, and 10% respectively in terms of profit.
The UL3 Protein of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Is Translated Predominantly from the Second In-Frame Methionine Codon and Is Subject to at Least Two Posttranslational Modifications

ABSTRACT The UL3 open reading frame (ORF) has the coding capacity of 235 codons. The proteins reacting with the anti-UL3 antibody form in denaturing polyacrylamide gel bands with apparent M rs of 34,000, 35,000, 38,000, 40,000, 41,000, and 42,000 and designated 1 to 6, respectively. Studies on their origins revealed the following. (i) The UL3 proteins forming all six bands were present in lysates of cells infected with wild-type virus and treated with tunicamycin or monensin or in cells infected with the mutant lacking the gene encoding the US3 protein kinase. (ii) The proteins contained in the slower-migrating bands were absent from cells infected with the mutant lacking the UL13 protein kinase. Bands 1 and 3, however were phosphorylated in cells infected with this mutant. (iii) Band 2 protein was absent from cells transfected with a plasmid carrying a substitution of the predicted first methionine codon of the UL3 ORF and superinfected with the UL3− mutant. (iv) Band 1 and 3 proteins were absent from lysates of cells transfected with a plasmid carrying a substitution of the second (M12) methionine codon of the UL3 ORF and superinfected with the UL3− mutant. (v) Cells superinfected with mutants lacking both methionine codons did not accumulate any of the proteins contained in the six bands. (vi) In vitro transcription-translation studies indicated that the translation of band 1 protein was initiated from the second (M12) methionine codon and that band 3 protein represented a UL13-independent, posttranslationally processed form of these proteins. The results indicate that the UL3 protein of herpes simplex virus 1 is translated predominantly from the second in-frame methionine codon and is subject to at least two posttranslational modifications.
Regulation of Prostaglandin E2 Biosynthesis by Inducible Membrane-associated Prostaglandin E2 Synthase That Acts in Concert with Cyclooxygenase-2*

Here we report the molecular identification of membrane-bound glutathione (GSH)-dependent prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthase (mPGES), a terminal enzyme of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-mediated PGE2 biosynthetic pathway. The activity of mPGES was increased markedly in macrophages and osteoblasts following proinflammatory stimuli. cDNA for mouse and rat mPGESs encoded functional proteins that showed high homology with the human ortholog (microsomal glutathioneS-transferase-like 1). mPGES expression was markedly induced by proinflammatory stimuli in various tissues and cells and was down-regulated by dexamethasone, accompanied by changes in COX-2 expression and delayed PGE2 generation. Arg110, a residue well conserved in the microsomal GSHS-transferase family, was essential for catalytic function. mPGES was functionally coupled with COX-2 in marked preference to COX-1, particularly when the supply of arachidonic acid was limited. Increased supply of arachidonic acid by explosive activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 allowed mPGES to be coupled with COX-1. mPGES colocalized with both COX isozymes in the perinuclear envelope. Moreover, cells stably cotransfected with COX-2 and mPGES grew faster, were highly aggregated, and exhibited aberrant morphology. Thus, COX-2 and mPGES are essential components for delayed PGE2 biosynthesis, which may be linked to inflammation, fever, osteogenesis, and even cancer.
Mechanisms underlying transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1)‐mediated hyperalgesia and edema

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms that contribute to hyperalgesia and edema induced by TRPA1 activation. The injection of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, 50, 100, or 300 µg/paw) into the rat's hind paw induced dose and time‐dependent hyperalgesia and edema, which were blocked by the selective TRPA1 antagonist, HC 030031 (1,200 µg/paw), or by treatment with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (four daily intrathecal injections of 5 nmol). These results demonstrate that the hyperalgesia and edema induced by AITC depend on TRPA1 activation. AITC‐induced hyperalgesia and edema were significantly reduced by treatment with neurokinin 1 (L‐703,606, 38 µg/paw) or calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP8‐37, 5 µg/paw) receptor antagonists, with a mast cell degranulator (compound 48/80, four daily injections of 1, 3, 10, and 10 µg/paw) or with H1 (pyrilamine, 400 µg/paw), 5‐HT1A (wAy‐100,135, 450 µg/paw) or 5‐HT3 (tropisetron, 450 µg/paw) receptor antagonists. Pre‐treatment with a selectin inhibitor (fucoidan, 20 mg/kg) significantly reduced AITC‐induced hyperalgesia, edema, and neutrophil migration. Finally, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin, 100 µg/paw), a β1 (atenolol, 6 µg/paw) or a β2 (ICI 118, 551, 1.5 µg/paw) adrenoceptor antagonist also significantly reduced AITC‐induced hyperalgesia and edema. Together, these results demonstrate that TRPA1 mediates some of the key inflammatory mechanisms, suggesting a key role of this receptor in pain and inflammation.
Understanding Why Women Work in Five-Star Hotels in a Developing Country and Their Work-Related Problems

This study investigated why women work in five-star hotels in a developing country and what type of problems they face when working in these organizations. The empirical data was collected via a survey from 571 women working in five-star hotels in Turkey. Having formal training and education in tourism, high interest in the industry, and enjoyment of working in tourism were the most important reasons for the participants to work in tourism organizations. The study findings further reveal that lack of sufficient time for friends and relatives, low wages and the difficulty of getting a promotion were the main job-related problems for women working in five-star hotels in Turkey. The research findings provide partial support for previous studies but also provide additional insights into this relatively under researched area.
Dynamics of Exogenous Nitrogen Partitioning and Nitrogen Remobilization from Vegetative Organs in Pea Revealed by 15N in Vivo Labeling throughout Seed Filling1

The fluxes of (1) exogenous nitrogen (N) assimilation and (2) remobilization of endogenous N from vegetative plant compartments were measured by 15N labeling during the seed-filling period in pea (Pisum sativum L. cv Caméor), to better understand the mechanism of N remobilization. While the majority (86%) of exogenous N was allocated to the vegetative organs before the beginning of seed filling, this fraction decreased to 45% at the onset of seed filling, the remainder being directed to seeds. Nitrogen remobilization from vegetative parts contributed to 71% of the total N in mature seeds borne on the first two nodes (first stratum). The contribution of remobilized N to total seed N varied, with the highest proportion at the beginning of filling; it was independent of the developmental stage of each stratum of seeds, suggesting that remobilized N forms a unique pool, managed at the whole-plant level and supplied to all filling seeds whatever their position on the plant. Once seed filling starts, N is remobilized from all vegetative organs: 30% of the total N accumulated in seeds was remobilized from leaves, 20% from pod walls, 11% from roots, and 10% from stems. The rate of N remobilization was maximal when seeds of all the different strata were filling, consistent with regulation according to the N demand of seeds. At later stages of seed filling, the rate of remobilization decreases and may become controlled by the amount of residual N in vegetative tissues.
Embryonic stem cell and tissue‐specific expression of a novel conserved gene, asrij

We have identified a novel gene expressed in murine embryonic stem (ES) cells and in a restricted, tissue‐specific pattern during mouse development. The gene is also expressed in blood vessels; hence, we have named it asrij (Sanskrit; asRˆij = blood). The gene encodes a novel conserved, predicted transmembrane protein of 247 amino acids, which is localized to lysosomes and endosomes. During ES cell‐derived blood vessel formation in vitro, Asrij expression precedes and partially overlaps with the vascular markers Flk‐1 and PECAM. During development, Asrij is expressed predominantly in mouse embryonic blood vessels. The asrij transcript is alternatively spliced, and its expression is regulated in a tissue‐specific manner. An asrij splice variant that is enriched in the adult mouse brain encodes a protein of 196 amino acids. Asrij can serve as an early stem cell marker that is down‐regulated in nonvascular tissues. Our data indicate that Asrij belongs to a novel class of conserved proteins with a complex developmental profile and suggests multiple functions for the gene. Development Dynamics 227:578–586, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Board Structure and Intragroup Propping: Evidence from Family Business Groups in Hong Kong

type="main"> Using earnings announcement events made by group member firms in Hong Kong, this study examines the governance role of boards of directors in curbing propping activities within family business groups. We find that earnings released by group member firms affect the stock prices of their nonannouncing group peers in a manner consistent with intragroup propping. More importantly, this effect is less pronounced when the announcing firms have a larger board or a board with a higher proportion of independent directors, but more pronounced when they have an executive director from their controlling families acting as board chairperson. Furthermore, the monitoring effect of boards of directors is strengthened for firms subject to new regulations increasing board power. Our results suggest that board oversight can mitigate propping activities.
Economic theories of international environmental cooperation

To deal effectively with transboundary environmental problems such as climate change, it is important to have an idea of the model for an ‘efficient’ and ‘fair’ policy. An understanding of the strategic interactions involved in the international decision-making process is also essential. Carsten Helm uses rigorous theoretical reasoning and applications to address these issues.
Segregation of stimulus phase and intensity coding in the cochlear nucleus of the barn owl

The cochlear nucleus of the barn owl is composed of two anatomically distinct subnuclei, n. magnocellularis (the magnocellular nucleus) and n. angularis (the angular nucleus). In the magnocellular nucleus, neurons tend to respond at a particular phase of a stimulus sine wave. Phase locking was observed for frequencies up to 9.0 kHz. The intensity- spike count functions of magnocellular units are characterized by high rates of spontaneous activity, a narrow range of intensities over which spike counts changed from spontaneous to saturation levels, and a small increase in spike counts with intensity over that range. In the angular nucleus, neurons showed little or no tendency to respond at a certain sinusoidal phase, although some showed weak phase locking for frequencies below 3.5 kHz. Angular units typically had low spontaneous rates, large dynamic ranges, and large increases in spike counts with intensity, resulting in high saturation levels. The clear difference between the two nuclei in sensitivity to both phase and intensity and the reciprocity in response properties support the hypothesis that each nucleus is specialized to process one parameter (phase or intensity) and not the other.
Competitive strategy, capabilities and uncertainty in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in China and the United States

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate linkages among competitive strategy, strategic capabilities, environmental uncertainty, and organizational performance in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in China and the USA. Design/methodology/approach – In China, a survey was administered to managers of SMEs in Shanghai and Guangzhou. In the USA, a survey was administered to managers of SMEs in three major cities. Competitive strategy, capabilities, uncertainty, and performance were measured by previously validated scales. Findings – Findings support the integrity Miles and Snow generic strategic typology. Performance satisfaction was significantly lower in firms employing a reactor strategy as opposed to those employing prospector, defender, or analyzer strategies. Additional support was found for the concept of strategic clarity, as businesses reporting moderate strategic clarity had lower levels of satisfaction with performance than those reporting either a single strategy or a combinat.
Impaired oxygen kinetics in beta‐thalassaemia major patients

Aim: Beta‐thalassaemia major (TM) affects oxygen flow and utilization and reduces patients’ exercise capacity. The aim of this study was to assess phase I and phase II oxygen kinetics during submaximal exercise test in thalassaemics and make possible considerations about the pathophysiology of the energy‐producing mechanisms and their expected exercise limitation.
Revisiting Mutual Fund Portfolio Disclosure

We document that CRSP and Thomson contain a large number of voluntarily reported mutual fund portfolios that are not in SEC filings while, additionally, CRSP and Thomson are missing a large number of SEC mandated portfolios available in SEC filings. Voluntary disclosure is likely motivated by convenience and advertising. While mandated portfolios are more window dressed, performance and disclosure costs are similar using Thomson or SEC data, validating prior findings using Thomson. CRSP, however, contains inaccurate position information prior to 2008. Our findings have important implications, such as highlighting a 35% increase in observed manager trading by combining data sources.