Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Collagen type IX and developmentally regulated swelling of the avian primary corneal stroma

A critical event in avian corneal development occurs when the acellular primary stroma swells and becomes populated by mesenchymal cells that migrate from the periphery. These cells then deposit the mature stromal matrix that exhibits the unique features necessary for corneal function. Our previous work correlated the disappearance of collagen type IX immunoreactivity at stage 27 (5½–6 days) with matrix swelling and invasion. To investigate further the mechanism of this disappearance, we employed immunohistochemistry after tissue fixation with Histochoice, a non‐crosslinking fixative, immunoblot analysis of protein extracts, and gel substrate chromatography (zymography) to detect endogenous proteolytic activity. We found that corneas fixed in Histochoice retain immunoreactivity for type IX collagen for 1–2 days after corneal swelling. This immunoreactivity, however, becomes extractable from tissue sections of unfixed corneas at the time of initiation of stromal swelling and mesenchymal cell invasion. Immunoblot analysis confirmed that, following swelling, immunoreactivity for collagen IX decreased substantially in corneas, but not in the vitreous body, which served as a comparison. Analysis of ammonium sulfate (AS) fractions of such extracts indicated that, at the time of swelling, much of the immunoreactivity for type IX collagen in cornea shifted from the AS precipitate (containing high molecular weight molecules) to the AS supernatant (containing smaller fragments). In contrast, collagen IX immunoreactivity from the vitreous was precipitated by ammonium sulfate throughout the period of study. Collagen type II, a major fibrillar collagen in both the corneal stroma and vitreous, remained in the high molecular weight fraction at all times examined. Zymography detected the presence of the latent (proenzyme) form of gelatinase A (MMP‐2) before corneal swelling and invasion (4 days), and both the latent and active forms of the enzyme after corneal swelling. This suggests tissue‐specific, developmentally regulated proteolysis of collagen IX as a trigger for corneal matrix swelling. Dev. Dyn. 1998;212:27–37. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
College Student Adjustment and Coping

The present study examined the coping-related predictors of four domains of college adjustment (i.e., academic, social, personal or emotional, and institutional attachment) for bereaved and nonbereaved students (N = 225). Findings indicated that support from friends was positively associated with academic and social adjustment and institutional attachment and that avoidant emotional-focused coping was negatively associated with all domains of adjustment for both bereaved and nonbereaved students. Interaction effects indicated that institutional attachment was lower at high levels of problem-focused coping for bereaved students and that bereaved students exhibited lower levels of both social adjustment and institutional attachment at low levels of family support, whereas nonbereaved students exhibited lower social adjustment at high levels of family support. Directions for future research and implications for practice and higher education policy are offered.
Breathing and Snoring Sound Characteristics during Sleep in Adults.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Sound level meter is the gold standard approach for snoring evaluation. Using this approach, it was established that snoring intensity (in dB) is higher for men and is associated with increased apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). In this study, we performed a systematic analysis of breathing and snoring sound characteristics using an algorithm designed to detect and analyze breathing and snoring sounds. The effect of sex, sleep stages, and AHI on snoring characteristics was explored. METHODS We consecutively recruited 121 subjects referred for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. A whole night audio signal was recorded using noncontact ambient microphone during polysomnography. A large number (> 290,000) of breathing and snoring (> 50 dB) events were analyzed. Breathing sound events were detected using a signal-processing algorithm that discriminates between breathing and nonbreathing (noise events) sounds. RESULTS Snoring index (events/h, SI) was 23% higher for men (p = 0.04), and in both sexes SI gradually declined by 50% across sleep time (p < 0.01) independent of AHI. SI was higher in slow wave sleep (p < 0.03) compared to S2 and rapid eye movement sleep; men have higher SI in all sleep stages than women (p < 0.05). Snoring intensity was similar in both genders in all sleep stages and independent of AHI. For both sexes, no correlation was found between AHI and snoring intensity (r = 0.1, p = 0.291). CONCLUSIONS This audio analysis approach enables systematic detection and analysis of breathing and snoring sounds from a full night recording. Snoring intensity is similar in both sexes and was not affected by AHI.
MEDTOUR: a scale for measuring medical tourism intentions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use a theoretical model to create a scale to predict medical tourism (MT) intentions.Design/methodology/approach – The theory of planned behavior (TPB) model was applied to MT by creating a 49‐item questionnaire and collecting data from a convenience sample of 453 undergraduate students enrolled in a university located in the USA. Factor analysis was used to evaluate the results, and yielded a MEDTOUR scale containing 29 items.Findings – A regression of the three variables on an intentions scale of participation in MT had an R‐value of 0.587. The model was able to explain around 35 percent of the variance in intentions. Given the general nature of the model and the first attempt at predicting MT, the results are positive.Research limitations/implications – This research is limited due to the use of a convenience sample of undergraduate students. Further research utilizing additional samples is needed to verify the MEDTOUR scale. In addition, future research can fo.
Tell Me What you Mean by “Sí”: Perceptions of Quality of Prenatal Care among Immigrant Latina Women

Individual perceptions form the basis of many health research reports related to access, utilization, continuity, and quality. Many health care providers are not well equipped for designing studies or collecting data with immigrant populations. In this article, the authors examine issues in data collection on topics related to perceptions of quality of prenatal care among immigrant Latino populations. The conceptual model is Donabedian’s framework for quality. Two instruments—a qualitative interview with photographs representing components of quality and a questionnaire—were used for data collection. Examples of narrative responses given by women in response to the photo-narrative prompts are presented and compared to shorter survey responses. The authors emphasize the importance of designing research instruments that reflect the perceptions of the research subjects rather than simply those of the investigators.
Estimation of VMS Traffic Information Value Using Contingent Valuation Method

In this study, value of VMS (Variable Message Sign) traffic information is estimated by using CVM (Contingent Valuation Method), which is developed to quantify the value of non-marketable goods in environmental economics. CVM is used to estimate the value of goods provided by a project under consideration and then the project feasibility can be indirectly examined on the basis of the estimated value. This study focuses on estimating to estimate value of traffic information provided through VMS, a part of the transportation system enhancement project by Korea Expressway Corporation which is aimed at mitigating traffic problems on expressways. In particular, this study analyzes value of information separately by trip purpose, information type, and traffic flow condition. A state preference survey was designed to estimate the value of non-marketable traffic information. To maximize reliability of the survey results, a pilot survey was taken before the main survey. The open-ended question method was adopted in capturing users` willingness-to-pay. Both Tobit and binary Probit models were applied in estimating the value of VMS traffic information and their parameters were estimated using the maximum likelihood estimation. The estimation results suggests that the value of traffic information perceived by users is 518.28 KRW.
The Price Linkages between the Equity Fund Price Levels and the Stock Markets: Evidences from Cointegration Approach and Causality Analysis of Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)

This paper is the first study to examine the short and long term price level linkages between the equity funds under the Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme and the benchmark indices proxied by different indices designed by the Hong Kong Investment Fund Association (HKIFA) over the period 2001-2008. Cointegration test is used to identify the long run relationship between the price levels and the stock market index, short run relationship between them is analyzed by the Granger causality test. We find that there is 56.43% of the equity funds have their price levels cointegrated with stock market index. In the short run, the Granger causality test indicates that some funds' price levels have both long and short run comovements with the stock market indices; on the other hand, some equity funds are found to have short run comovements with the stock market index but no long run comovements with the index, this indicates that some equity fund managers have ever tried to design their portfolios trying to win the market. Cointegration analysis is also done to investigate the long run relationship between the price levels of non-Hong Kong equity fund price levels and the local stock market index, Hang Seng Index, to evaluate the existence of benefit from global diversification by investing in the foreign equity funds. The results indicate that the scheme participants may have global diversification benefit by investing in US and Japanese equity funds.
Be(com)ing normal - not excellent

Purpose – Marketing “from the intra‐organizational perspective” has been comparatively untouched by the critical turn in organization studies. The objective of the present paper is to contribute to a critical examination of marketing as a change discourse by focusing on service management scholarship. In particular, the paper focuses upon the gap‐model.Design/methodology/approach – Foucault's disciplinary power concept is used to analyze how the gap‐model tends to objectify, subjectify and normalize.Findings – Focusing on service management contributes to the scarce critical examination of marketing in general and the almost non‐existent critical examination of service management in particular. Further, the paper contributes to the investigation of the potential production of subjectivity and normalization as an effect of marketing technologies.Research limitations/implications – This paper suggests empirical exploration of subjective responses to marketing discourse and associated technologies.Originalit.
Setting sail in a new direction: Career transitions of US navy admirals to the civilian sector

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss why organizations who are looking for top executives, should enlist former military officers and senior enlisted leaders, who make excellent candidates.Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires with both closed‐ and open‐ended questions generate responses from more than 300 former Navy admirals. This paper reports the qualitative findings emerging from the open‐ended questions.Findings – The authors identify the perspectives that enable a smooth transition from the structured military to a civilian career. Embracing the new environment proves essential, while clinging to the past has detrimental outcomes.Research limitations/implications – It is yet to be determined whether former military leaders represent the wider population of executives at traditional organizations moving to a business environment.Practical implications – The admirals' career shift should shed light on broader questions of transition into a business environment, as well as the spec.
Tetrahydrobiopterin Cofactor Biosynthesis: GTP Cyclohydrolase I mRNA Expression in Rat Brain and Superior Cervical Ganglia

Abstract: GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) is the rate‐limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin, the reduced pteridine cofactor required for catecholamine (CA), indoleamine, and nitric oxide biosynthesis. We have used the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction technique, based on the published cDNA sequence for rat liver GTPCH, to clone a portion of the GTPCH transcript from rat adrenal gland mRNA and have used this clone for the analysis of GTPCH mRNA in brain and other tissues of the rat by northern blot, nuclease protection assay, and in situ hybridisation. Two GTPCH mRNA transcripts of 1.2 and 3.8 kb in length were detected by northern blot, with the 1,2‐kb form predominating in the liver and the 3.8‐kb form in the pineal gland, adrenal gland, brainstem, and hypothalamic neurons maintained in culture. In situ hybridization studies localized GTPCH mRNA to CA‐containing perikarya in the locus ceruleus, ventral tegmental area, and substantia nigra, pars compacta. Levels of GTPCH mRNA in central and peripheral catecholamine neurons determined by nuclease protection assay were increased twofold 24 h after a single injection of the CA‐depleting drug reserpine; both the 1.2‐and 3.8‐kb transcripts were increased in the adrenal gland. Low levels of GTPCH mRNA were also detected by nuclease protection assay in the striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum, brain regions that do not contain monoaminergic perikarya.
Development and evaluation of Chitosan nanoparticles based dry powder inhalation formulations of Prothionamide

Prothionamide (PTH), a second line antitubercular drug is used to administer in conventional oral route. However, its unpredictable absorption and frequent administration limit its use. An alternate approach was thought of administering PTH through pulmonary route in a form of nanoparticles, which can sustain the release for several hours in lungs. Chitosan, a bio-degradable polymer was used to coat PTH and further freeze dried to prepare dry powder inhaler (DPI) with aerodynamic particle size of 1. 76μm. In vitro release study showed initial burst release followed by sustained release up to 96.91% in 24h. In vitro release further correlated with in vivo study. Prepared DPI maintained the PTH concentration above MIC for more than 12h after single dose administration and increased the PTH residency in the lungs tissue more than 24h. Animal study also revealed the reduction of dose in pulmonary administration, which will improve the management of tuberculosis.
Binding and recognition in the assembly of an active BRCA1/BARD1 ubiquitin-ligase complex

BRCA1 is a breast and ovarian cancer tumor suppressor protein that associates with BARD1 to form a RING/RING heterodimer. The BRCA1/BARD1 RING complex functions as an ubiquitin (Ub) ligase with activity substantially greater than individual BRCA1 or BARD1 subunits. By using NMR spectroscopy and site-directed mutagenesis, we have mapped the binding site on the BRCA1/BARD1 heterodimer for the Ub-conjugating enzyme UbcH5c. The results demonstrate that UbcH5c binds only to the BRCA1 RING domain and not the BARD1 RING. The binding interface is formed by the first and second Zn2+-loops and central α-helix of the BRCA1 RING domain, a region disrupted by cancer-predisposing mutations. Unexpectedly, a second Ub-conjugating enzyme, UbcH7, also interacts with the BRCA1/BARD1 complex with similar affinity, although it is not active in Ub-ligase activity assays. Thus, binding alone is not sufficient for BRCA1-dependent Ub-ligase activity.
The Employment of Black Men

Trends in wages and employment of black men are contradictory. Wages are rising and employment is falling. The article first describes employment trends using data from the five decennial censuses, 1940-80, noting that education is becoming a more important determinant of participation. Next, it is shown that ratios of average wages have not been severely biased by falling participation of those who would earn the least if they worked. The final question asks whether falling participation of black men results from deteriorating job opportunities or from falling labor supply; falling supply appears to dominate.
Towards the Sustainable Corporation: Win-Win-Win Business Strategies for Sustainable Development

From the sustainable development policies of far-sighted governments to the increasing environmental awareness—and cynicism—of consumers, a range of pressures is being brought to bear on business to improve its environmental performance. This article traces the development of some of those pressures, highlighting industries in the firing line, and examining some of the concerns of consumers. It looks at the ways in which companies can turn the environment game into one in which they, their customers, and the environment are all winners. It also explores the rapidly expanding area of corporate environmental reporting, including forms of environmental disclosure, target audiences, and leading exponents of the field.
Control Divergence, Timeliness in Loss Recognition, and the Role of Auditor Specialization: Evidence from around the World

This paper seeks to investigate how control-cash flow divergence of a firm's ultimate owner may affect the timeliness of accounting recognition of economic losses (TLR) relative to recognition of economic gains, and if engaging an audit industry specialist mitigates the reduced TLR arising from control divergence. Our results show that firms with greater divergence in control and cash flow rights are less timely in loss recognition (relative to gain recognition). We also find evidence that clients audited by industry specialists are associated with greater TLR. More important, we find that the negative association between control divergence and the TLR is moderated by the auditor industry specialization. The results are robust to controls for legal institutions, political economy, extralegal institutions, firm and industry characteristics, and the potential endogeneity between auditor choice and control divergence. Given that Bushman, Piotroski, and Smith (2006) provide evidence to suggest that TLR is a desirable attribute of accounting since it leads to significant positive economic consequences, the findings of our study suggest that hiring an audit industry specialist in the presence of control divergence can lead to positive economic consequences for the firm.
β-Alanine and orotate as supplements for cardiac protection

β-Alanine is a rate-limiting precursor for synthesis of the dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine), which is produced within and stored in high concentrations in skeletal muscle, heart and olfactory receptor neurons.1 ,2 β-Alanine supplementation has been shown to boost the carnosine content of skeletal muscle.3 This reflects the fact that the Km of carnosine synthase for β-alanine (in excess of 1 mM) is far higher than the β-alanine content of tissues; its Km for histidine is two orders of magnitude lower, such that intracellular histidine levels are not rate-limiting for carnosine synthesis.3 β-alanine is produced in the liver during catabolism of uracil; after its release to plasma, it can be transported into tissues that require it for carnosine synthesis. Plasma levels of β-alanine also increase when carnosine is ingested in flesh foods; particularly in humans, carnosinase activity in plasma rapidly cleaves carnosine to its precursors β-alanine and histidine.4 The pKa of the imidazole ring of carnosine is 6.83, which makes it an ideal physiological buffer for tissues when glycolytic production of lactic acid is high.3 (The pKa of free histidine's imidazole ring is around 6, so converting histidine to carnosine makes it a more effective buffer.) Most studies with supplemental β-alanine have focused on skeletal muscle and athletic performance; many studies have concluded that β-alanine supplementation can both boost muscle carnosine content and aid performance in high-intensity anaerobic workouts in which lactic acid is generated, presumably by preventing counterproductive reductions in intracellular pH.3 The fact that carnosine concentrations in fast-twitch muscles are higher than those in slow-twitch muscles is consistent with this paradigm. Carnosine also has versatile antioxidant activity, likewise reflecting the properties of its imidazole ring. This can serve efficiently as …
Experimental study on the estimation of lever arm in GPS/INS

Lever-arm uncertainty can be an important error source in the integration of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and inertial navigation system (INS). This paper presents both numerical and experimental studies on the estimation of the lever arm in the integration of a very-low-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) with an accurate single-antenna GPS measurement system. Covariance simulation results showed that maneuvers play an important role on the estimation of the lever arm and attitude. The length of the lever arm has a rather insignificant effect on the estimation of these. Experimental tests conducted with a low-cost microelectromechanical system (MEMS) IMU and a carrier-phase differential GPS (CDGPS) measurement system showed that the lever arm can be estimated with centimeter-level accuracy. The test results confirmed that angular motions and horizontal accelerations improve the estimates of the lever arm and yaw angle, respectively.
Optimal Foreign Exchange Market Intervention

The problem of optimal exchange intervention is approached using the techniques derived in the "targets, instruments, and indicators" literature. The optimal exchange-rate policy is one of permitting the appropriate degree of exchange-rate flexibility rather than one of complete fixity or complete flexibility of the exchange rate. Although the problem of the optimal exchange-rate regime has been analyzed in these terms before, criteria previously employed, emphasizing the geographical or functional location of disturbances, are seen to be inappropriate for a portfolio balance model with some degree of capital mobility.
Asset Price and Monetary Policy – The Effect of Expectation Formation

This paper is a theoretical study of the effects of monetary policy reacting to fluctuations in asset price, accounting for the expectation formation effect of policy regime shift in a DSGE model calibrated to the U.S. economy. We find that the effect of expectation formation can substantially influence the movement of asset price. In contrast to the linear policy rule, under the regime switching policy rule reacting to asset price can generate substantial stabilization effect: the "expected" inflation-output volatility frontier shifts downward, thereby lowering both the volatilities of inflation and output for all possible policy choices. The trade-off between the expected volatility of inflation and that of output, as demonstrated by the "Taylor curve," greatly diminishes, implying that the Taylor rule which considers expectation formation effect and asset price movement expands the set of monetary policy choices available for monetary authority.
Which SMEs Use External Business Advice? A Multivariate Subregional Study

The authors examine factors that influence the propensity of a firm to take up external business support across four large English towns, using random effects nominal probit regression analysis to capture sector heterogeneity. The results suggest a strong positive association between the orientation of the firm towards growth and its propensity to use external business advice. ‘Push’ factors, including the existence of recruitment difficulties, are identified as key triggers to use business advice. These results provide valuable guidance to public policy organisations concerned with business development and competitiveness, and suggest a number of avenues for future research.