Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Transfer of Competences to European-Based Japanese Affiliates

This paper focuses on the ability of Japanese multinational companies to transfer their domestic business practices to their overseas manufacturing operations located in Britain and France. It draws on two sources of information: the results of a postal questionnaire sent to the managing directors of the entire population of Japanese affiliates with production sites in Britain and France; and information based on interviews conducted with managerial personnel on the sites of three affiliates located in the UK and six located in France. While Japanese multinational companies, in so far as they have tried, have not managed to transfer their employment model wholesale, they have managed to create local hybrid systems which serve to promote continuous improvement in productivity and product quality. These distinct local combinations differ from the original template primarily in terms of the factors which determine pay and promotion and how these elements of the human resources system are linked to the organisation of work. While some national specificity can be observed in the form the local combinations take, there remains considerable intra-country variety. In this sense one can say that there are national effects without, at least for the moment, there being clear national hybrid models. The research for this study has been financed by the DG12 of the European Commission under its Targeted Socio-Economic Research (TSER) Programme. This study forms one part of the European TSER Project DYNACOM (Contract No. SOEI – CT97-1078). We would like to express our gratitude to Robby Judes and to Christophe LeGuehennec for their assistance in carrying out the postal survey and the case study work in France. We thank Benjamin Coriat and Giovanni Dosi for their useful comments on earlier drafts.
Phase Response Curve Analysis of a Full Morphological Globus Pallidus Neuron Model Reveals Distinct Perisomatic and Dendritic Modes of Synaptic Integration

Synchronization of globus pallidus (GP) neurons and cortically entrained oscillations between GP and other basal ganglia nuclei are key features of the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. Phase response curves (PRCs), which tabulate the effects of phasic inputs within a neuron's spike cycle on output spike timing, are efficient tools for predicting the emergence of synchronization in neuronal networks and entrainment to periodic input. In this study we apply physiologically realistic synaptic conductance inputs to a full morphological GP neuron model to determine the phase response properties of the soma and different regions of the dendritic tree. We find that perisomatic excitatory inputs delivered throughout the interspike interval advance the phase of the spontaneous spike cycle yielding a type I PRC. In contrast, we demonstrate that distal dendritic excitatory inputs can either delay or advance the next spike depending on whether they occur early or late in the spike cycle. We find this latter pattern of responses, summarized by a biphasic (type II) PRC, was a consequence of dendritic activation of the small conductance calcium-activated potassium current, SK. We also evaluate the spike-frequency dependence of somatic and dendritic PRC shapes, and we demonstrate the robustness of our results to variations of conductance densities, distributions, and kinetic parameters. We conclude that the distal dendrite of GP neurons embodies a distinct dynamical subsystem that could promote synchronization of pallidal networks to excitatory inputs. These results highlight the need to consider different effects of perisomatic and dendritic inputs in the control of network behavior.
ON THE STABILITY OF BRAVAIS LATTICES AND THEIR CAUCHY-BORN APPROXIMATIONS ∗

We investigate the stability of Bravais lattices and their Cauchy-Born approximations under periodic perturbations. We formulate a general interaction law and derive its Cauchy-Born continuum limit. We then analyze the atomistic and Cauchy-Born stability regions, that is, the sets of all matrices that describe a stable Bravais lattice in the atomistic and Cauchy-Born models respectively. Motivated by recent results in one dimension on the stability of atomistic/continuum coupling methods, we analyze the relationship between atomistic and Cauchy-Born stability regions, and the convergence of atomistic stability regions as the cell size tends to infinity.
Refolding and Reassembly of Active Chaperonin GroEL After Denaturation (*)

Conditions are reported that, for the first time, permit the folding and assembly of active chaperonin, GroEL, following denaturation in 8 M urea. The folding could be achieved by dilution or dialysis, and the best yields required the simultaneous presence of ammonium sulfate and the Mg complexes of ATP or ADP. Ammonium sulfate was the key to this particular protocol, since there was a small recovery of oligomer in its presence, but no detectable recovery was induced by ATP or ADP without ammonium sulfate. The refolded/reassembled GroEL could arrest the spontaneous folding of rhodanese, and it could participate in the chaperonin-assisted refolding of rhodanese as effectively as GroEL that had never been unfolded. The results demonstrate that the primary sequence of GroEL contains the information required for its folding, assembly, and function. Thus, in contrast to previous studies, although chaperonins may facilitate GroEL folding, they are not necessary for the acquisition of the functional oligomeric state of this chaperone. This ability to fold denatured GroEL in vitro will facilitate studies of the influences that determine the interesting folding pattern adopted by the native protein.
A decomposition of equivariant K-theory in twisted equivariant K-theories

For G a finite group and X a G-space on which a normal subgroup A acts trivially, we show that the G-equivariant K-theory of X decomposes as a direct sum of twisted equivariant K-theories of X parametrized by the orbits of the conjugation action of G on the irreducible representations of A. The twists are group 2-cocycles which encode the obstruction of lifting an irreducible representation of A to the subgroup of G which fixes the isomorphism class of the irreducible representation.
The triple oxygen isotope composition of phytoliths as a proxy of continental atmospheric humidity: insights from climate chamber and climate transect calibrations

Abstract. Continental atmospheric relative humidity (RH) is a key climate parameter. Combined with atmospheric temperature, it allows us to estimate the concentration of atmospheric water vapor, which is one of the main components of the global water cycle and the most important gas contributing to the natural greenhouse effect. However, there is a lack of proxies suitable for reconstructing, in a quantitative way, past changes of continental atmospheric humidity. This reduces the possibility of making model–data comparisons necessary for the implementation of climate models. Over the past 10 years, analytical developments have enabled a few laboratories to reach sufficient precision for measuring the triple oxygen isotopes, expressed by the 17O-excess (17O-excess = ln (δ17O + 1) – 0.528 × ln (δ18O + 1)), in water, water vapor and minerals. The 17O-excess represents an alternative to deuterium-excess for investigating relative humidity conditions that prevail during water evaporation. Phytoliths are micrometric amorphous silica particles that form continuously in living plants. Phytolith morphological assemblages from soils and sediments are commonly used as past vegetation and hydrous stress indicators. In the present study, we examine whether changes in atmospheric RH imprint the 17O-excess of phytoliths in a measurable way and whether this imprint offers a potential for reconstructing past RH. For that purpose, we first monitored the 17O-excess evolution of soil water, grass leaf water and grass phytoliths in response to changes in RH (from 40 to 100 %) in a growth chamber experiment where transpiration reached a steady state. Decreasing RH from 80 to 40 % decreases the 17O-excess of phytoliths by 4.1 per meg/% as a result of kinetic fractionation of the leaf water subject to evaporation. In order to model with accuracy the triple oxygen isotope fractionation in play in plant water and in phytoliths we recommend direct and continuous measurements of the triple isotope composition of water vapor. Then, we measured the 17O-excess of 57 phytolith assemblages collected from top soils along a RH and vegetation transect in inter-tropical West and Central Africa. Although scattered, the 17O-excess of phytoliths decreases with RH by 3.4 per meg/%. The similarity of the trends observed in the growth chamber and nature supports that RH is an important control of 17O-excess of phytoliths in the natural environment. However, other parameters such as changes in the triple isotope composition of the soil water or phytolith origin in the plant may come into play. Assessment of these parameters through additional growth chambers experiments and field campaigns will bring us closer to an accurate proxy of changes in relative humidity.
Complement-Coagulation Cross-Talk: A Potential Mediator of the Physiological Activation of Complement by Low pH

The complement system is a major constituent of the innate immune system. It not only bridges innate and adaptive arms of the immune system but also links the immune system with the coagulation system. Current understanding of the role of complement has extended far beyond fighting of infections, and now encompasses maintenance of homeostasis, tissue regeneration, and pathophysiology of multiple diseases. It has been known for many years that complement activation is strongly pH sensitive, but only relatively recently has the physiological significance of this been appreciated. Most complement assays are carried out at the physiological pH 7.4. However, pH in some extracellular compartments, for example, renal tubular fluid in parts of the tubule, and extracellular fluid at inflammation loci, is sufficiently acidic to activate complement. The exact molecular mechanism of this activation is still unclear, but possible cross-talk between the contact system (intrinsic pathway) and complement may exist at low pH with subsequent complement activation. The current article reviews the published data on the effect of pH on the contact system and complement activity, the nature of the pH sensor molecules, and the clinical implications of these effects. Of particular interest is chronic kidney disease (CKD) accompanied by metabolic acidosis, in which therapeutic alkalinization of urine has been shown significantly to reduce tubular complement activation products, an effect, which may have important implications for slowing progression of CKD.
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Is Upregulated in Ischemic Muscle, Which Mediates Trafficking of Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Background—Trafficking of transplanted endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to an ischemic organ is a critical step in neovascularization. This study was performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of EPC trafficking in terms of adhesion molecules. Methods and Results—Using murine hindlimb ischemia model, we examined expressions of E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) in ischemic muscle by immunofluorescence. ICAM-1 was overexpressed in ischemic muscle compared with nonischemic muscle, whereas expressions of E-selectin, VCAM-1, and PECAM-1 did not show that much difference. ICAM-1 was also upregulated by hypoxia in murine endothelial cells (ECs) as assessed by immunoblot and flow cytometry. EPCs were attached to ECs specifically through ICAM-1/β-2 integrin interaction in vitro. When EPCs were labeled with fluorescent dye or radioisotope (Tc-99m-HMPAO) and systemically administrated in vivo, EPCs preferentially homed to ischemic muscle. By blocking ICAM-1, EPCs entrapment to ischemic limb in vivo was significantly reduced and neovascularization induced by EPC transplantation was attenuated. Conclusions—ICAM-1 is upregulated by ischemia, and this is closely associated with EPCs entrapment to ischemic limb. Our findings suggest that ICAM-1 expression might be important in regulating the process of neovascularization through its ability to recruit EPCs.
Tai Chi for stroke rehabilitation: protocol for a systematic review

Introduction Stroke is a major cause of death and disability, and imposes a huge burden and significant workload for patients, their families and society. As a special form of physical activity, Tai Chi is may be useful for stroke rehabilitation. The objective of this review is to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for rehabilitation in stroke patients. Methods and analysis We will conduct a systematic search of the following electronic databases from their inception to 31 October 2015: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Wanfang and the Chinese Dissertation Database. All relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in English and Chinese will be included. The main outcomes will be changes in the neurological function of patients and in independence in activities of daily living. Adverse events, adherence, costs and the cost effectiveness of Tai Chi will also be assessed. Two independent reviewers will select studies, extract data and assess quality. Review Manager 5.3 will be used for assessment of risk of bias, data synthesis and subgroup analysis. Ethics and dissemination This systematic review does not require formal ethical approval because all data will be analysed anonymously. Results will provide a general overview and evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for stroke rehabilitation. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. Trial registration number CRD42015026999.
Pilot Study on Oral Health Status as Assessed by an Active Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Chairside Mouthrinse Test in Adolescents.

BACKGROUND Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 is a major destructive collagenase involved in periodontitis and can be regarded as a periodontitis biomarker. A neutrophil collagenase 2 (active MMP-8 [aMMP-8]) oral fluid immunoassay has recently been demonstrated to be a periodontitis risk indicator among adults. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a point-of-care mouthrinse test based on an aMMP-8 immunoassay could identify patients with oral inflammatory burden (periodontitis and caries) among adolescents with early pathologic findings. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Kotka Health Center, Finland. First, the aMMP-8 chairside mouthrinse test was performed on enrolled individuals (adolescents aged 15 to 17 years, n = 47), and the results were read based on a color change within 5 minutes. Then, full-mouth clinical parameters of oral health were assessed, including periodontal, oral mucosal, and caries status. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of the test for bleeding on probing were 71.8% and 77.5%, respectively (P = 0.05); for ≥1 site with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm, 48.3% and 100% (P <0.001); for ≥2 sites with PD ≥4 mm, 63.6% and 100% (P <0.001); and for >2 sites with PD ≥4 mm, 76.5% and 96.7% (P <0.01). Regarding periodontitis (≥1 site with PD ≥4 mm), hardly any false-positive results were identified. The sensitivity of the immunoassay for ≥1 caries lesions was 76.5%, and the specificity was 96.7% (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS In 5 minutes, the aMMP-8 chairside test showed promising results, recognizing oral inflammatory burden in adolescents with early initial signs of periodontitis. Caries lesions could also be detected, but less efficiently.
Position paper: Assessing knowledge in blocks-based and text-based programming languages

Assessing student knowledge of programming concepts is a long studied, but many would say unsolved, problem. From the initial Empirical Studies of Programmers series [1] to McCracken's study [2] to Elliott-Tew's validated assessment of fundamental CS knowledge [3] many have attempted to precisely measure the knowledge and skills of students learning to program. All of the previous efforts have been centered on text based languages. Now we have another element to add to the mix - block-based programming languages. Can any of the existing assessment instruments work for both text and block based programming languages? Do we believe they will measure the same knowledge? Can existing assessments be modified and tailored for block-based languages? Are the two approaches equivalent, and would we even want to assess the same knowledge outcomes for both? These are but a few of the questions I will address in this position paper.
Challenging some common beliefs: Empirical work within the adaptive toolbox metaphor

The authors review their own empirical work inspired by the adaptive toolbox metaphor. The review examines factors influencing strategy selection and execution in multi-attribute inference tasks (e.g., information costs, time pressure, memory retrieval, dynamic environments, stimulus formats, intelligence). An emergent theme is the re-evaluation of contingency model claims about the elevated cognitive costs of compensatory in comparison with non-compensatory strategies. Contrary to common assertions about the impact of cognitive complexity, the empirical data suggest that manipulated variables exert their influence at the meta-level of deciding how to decide (i.e., which strategy to select) rather than at the level of strategy execution. An alternative conceptualisation of strategy selection, namely threshold adjustment in an evidence accumulation model, is also discussed and the difficulty in distinguishing empirically between these metaphors is acknowledged.
Scared to death.

To the Editor: The case report by Brandspiegel et al1 and the subsequent letter to the editor by Watkins and Blumenthal2 both demonstrated conclusively a relationship between a stressful event and a transient compromise of coronary perfusion. That a person could be “worried to death”2 has a parallel example in people being “scared to death. ” The Los Angeles, Calif, earthquake on January 17, 1994, at 4:31 am provided an unusual opportunity to study features of the relation between emotional stress and the triggering of sudden cardiac death (SCD), as was …
Can Movies and Books Collaborate? Cross-Domain Collaborative Filtering for Sparsity Reduction

The sparsity problem in collaborative filtering (CF) is a major bottleneck for most CF methods. In this paper, we consider a novel approach for alleviating the sparsity problem in CF by transferring useritem rating patterns from a dense auxiliary rating matrix in other domains (e.g., a popular movie rating website) to a sparse rating matrix in a target domain (e.g., a new book rating website). We do not require that the users and items in the two domains be identical or even overlap. Based on the limited ratings in the target matrix, we establish a bridge between the two rating matrices at a cluster-level of user-item rating patterns in order to transfer more useful knowledge from the auxiliary task domain. We first compress the ratings in the auxiliary rating matrix into an informative and yet compact cluster-level rating pattern representation referred to as a codebook. Then, we propose an efficient algorithm for reconstructing the target rating matrix by expanding the codebook. We perform extensive empirical tests to show that our method is effective in addressing the data sparsity problem by transferring the useful knowledge from the auxiliary tasks, as compared to many state-of-the-art CF methods.
Innovative non-thermal plasma disinfection process inside sealed bags: Assessment of bactericidal and sporicidal effectiveness in regard to current sterilization norms

In this work, we developed a device capable to generate a non-thermal plasma discharge inside a sealed bag. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the oxygen, nitrogen and argon plasma sterilization on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis spores according to the NF EN 556 Norm. Moreover the bag integrity which is a critical key to maintain the sterile state of items after the end of the process was verified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometry (XPS) analyses. After plasma treatments, the bacterial counting showed a 6 log reduction of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in 45 min and 120 min respectively whatever the gas used and a 4 log reduction of B. subtilis spores in 120 min with only oxygen plasma. These results were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations showing altered bacteria or spores and numerous debris. Taking into account the studied microorganisms, the oxygen plasma treatment showed the highest efficiency. FTIR and XPS analyses showed that this treatment induced no significant modification of the bags. To conclude this non-thermal plasma sterilization technique could be an opportunity to sterilize heat and chemical-sensitive medical devices and to preserve their sterile state after the end of the process.
A Comparison of Stock Market Mechanisms

This paper studies the relationship between the amount of public information that stock market prices incorporate and the equilibrium behavior of market participants. The analysis is framed in a static, NREE setup where traders exchange vectors of assets accessing multidimensional information under two alternative market structures. In the first (the unrestricted system), both informed and uninformed speculators can condition their demands for each traded asset on all equilibrium prices; in the second (the restricted system), they are restricted to condition their demand on the price of the asset they want to trade. I show that informed traders’ incentives to exploit multidimensional private information depend on the number of prices they can condition upon when submitting their demand schedules, and on the specific price formation process one considers. Building on this insight, I then give conditions under which the restricted system is more efficient than the unrestricted system.
Caldendrin, a Novel Neuronal Calcium-binding Protein Confined to the Somato-dendritic Compartment*

Using antibodies against synaptic protein preparations, we cloned the cDNA of a new Ca2+-binding protein. Its C-terminal portion displays significant similarity with calmodulin and contains two EF-hand motifs. The corresponding mRNA is highly expressed in rat brain, primarily in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum; its expression appears to be restricted to neurons. Transcript levels increase during postnatal development. A recombinant C-terminal protein fragment binds Ca2+ as indicated by a Ca2+-induced mobility shift in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Antisera generated against the bacterial fusion protein recognize a brain-specific protein doublet with apparent molecular masses of 33 and 36 kDa. These data are confirmed by in vitro translation, which generates a single 36-kDa polypeptide, and by the heterologous expression in 293 cells, which yields a 33/36-kDa doublet comparable to that found in brain. On two-dimensional gels, the 33-kDa band separates into a chain of spots plausibly due to differential phosphorylation. This view is supported by in situ phosphorylation studies in hippocampal slices. Most of the immunoreactivity is detectable in cytoskeletal preparations with a further enrichment in the synapse-associated cytomatrix. These biochemical data, together with the ultra-structural localization in dendrites and the postsynaptic density, strongly suggest an association with the somato-dendritic cytoskeleton. Therefore, this novel Ca2+-binding protein was named caldendrin.