Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification and Expression Profiling of MicroRNAs in the Brain, Liver and Gonads of Marine Medaka (Oryzias melastigma) and in Response to Hypoxia

The marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) has been increasingly used as a fish model for detecting environmental stresses and chemical contaminants in the marine environment. Recent mammalian studies have shown that environmental stresses can alter the expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs), leading to transgenerational effects. Here, we use high-throughput Illumina RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) for miRNA transcriptome analysis of brain, liver, and gonads from sexually mature male and female marine medaka. A total of 128,883,806 filtered sequence reads were generated from six small RNA libraries, identifying a total of 2,125,663 non-redundant sequences. These sequences were aligned and annotated to known animal miRNAs (miRBase) using the BLAST method. A total of 223 distinct miRNA types were identified, with the greatest number expressed in brain tissue. Our data suggested that 55 miRNA types from 34 families are common to all tested tissues, while some of the miRNAs are tissue-enriched or sex-enriched. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis further demonstrated that let-7a, miR-122, and miR-9-3p were downregulated in hypoxic female medaka, while miR-2184 was specifically upregulated in the testis of hypoxic male fish. This is the first study to identify miRNAs in O. melastigma using small RNA deep sequencing technology. Because miRNA expression is highly conserved between marine medaka and other vertebrates, marine medaka may serve as a good model for studies on the functional roles of miRNAs in hypoxia stress response and signaling in marine fish.
Venture Capital Trusts and the Expiration of IPO Lockup Provisions

Venture capital trusts (VCTs) were introduced to provide private equity capital for small expanding companies and to promote innovation. Investors in initial public offerings are rewarded with tax relief on the cost of lock-up provisions to stabilize the market. This paper examines the market reaction and trading activity around the expiration of lock-up provisions of 148 VCTs listed on the London Stock Exchange from 1995 to 2006. Downward-sloping demand curve theory suggests that an increased supply of VCT shares at the expiry date could shift their value to a new equilibrium at a lower price. Supporting this prediction, we document evidence of negative abnormal returns as well as permanent increases in the price discount relative to net asset value and trading volumes at and around the expiries of the required holding periods of VCTs. In addition, less negative abnormal returns, lower abnormal discounts and lower abnormal trading volumes are associated with VCTs that invest in AIM-listed companies due to lower information asymmetry, that experience lower prior performance due to a less pronounced disposition effect, and that are subject to a shorter lock-up horizon or are offering more generous tax benefits.
Managing organizational knowledge by diagnosing intellectual capital: framing and advancing the state of the field

Since organizational knowledge is at the crux of sustainable competitive advantage, the burgeoning field of intellectual capital is an exciting area for both researchers and practitioners. Intellectual capital is conceptualized from numerous disciplines making the field a mosaic of perspectives. Accountants are interested in how to measure it on the balance sheet, information technologists want to codify it on systems, sociologists want to balance power with it, psychologists want to develop minds because of it, human resource managers want to calculate an ROI on it, and training and development officers want to make sure that they can build it. The following article represents a comprehensive literature review from a variety of managerial disciplines. In addition to highlighting the research to date, avenues for future pursuit are also offered.
Association of Tissue Abiraterone Levels and SLCO Genotype with Intraprostatic Steroids and Pathologic Response in Men with High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Germline variation in solute carrier organic anion (SLCO) genes influences cellular steroid uptake and is associated with prostate cancer outcomes. We hypothesized that, due to its steroidal structure, the CYP17A inhibitor abiraterone may undergo transport by SLCO-encoded transporters and that SLCO gene variation may influence intracellular abiraterone levels and outcomes. Experimental Design: Steroid and abiraterone levels were measured in serum and tissue from 58 men with localized prostate cancer in a clinical trial of LHRH agonist plus abiraterone acetate plus prednisone for 24 weeks prior to prostatectomy. Germline DNA was genotyped for 13 SNPs in six SLCO genes. Results: Abiraterone levels spanned a broad range (serum median 28 ng/mL, 108 nmol/L; tissue median 77 ng/mL, 271 nmol/L) and were correlated (r = 0.355, P = 0.001). Levels correlated positively with steroids upstream of CYP17A (pregnenolone, progesterone), and inversely with steroids downstream of CYP17A (DHEA, AED, testosterone). Serum PSA and tumor volumes were higher in men with undetectable versus detectable tissue abiraterone at prostatectomy (median 0.10 vs. 0.03 ng/dL, P = 0.02; 1.28 vs. 0.44 cc, P = 0.09, respectively). SNPs in SLCO2B1 associated with significant differences in tissue abiraterone (rs1789693, P = 0.0008; rs12422149, P = 0.03) and higher rates of minimal residual disease (tumor volume < 0.5 cc; rs1789693, 67% vs. 27%, P = 0.009; rs1077858, 46% vs. 0%, P = 0.03). LNCaP cells expressing SLCO2B1 showed two- to fourfold higher abiraterone levels compared with vector controls (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Intraprostatic abiraterone levels and genetic variation in SLCO genes are associated with pathologic responses in high-risk localized prostate cancer. Variation in SLCO genes may serve as predictors of response to abiraterone treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4592–601. ©2017 AACR.
Dynamics of First and Second Switches in Bi$_{2}$ Sr$_{2}$CaCu $_{2}$O$_{8+\delta }$ Intrinsic Josephson Junction Stacks Measured by Specifically Designed Electronics

We measure switching probability distributions for the first and the second switches of stacks of Bi<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{2}$</tex-math></inline-formula>Sr<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>CaCu<inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{2}$</tex-math></inline-formula>O <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_{8+\delta }$</tex-math></inline-formula> intrinsic Josephson junctions. To measure switching probability distributions, we design a current source and introduced a microcontroller. The resolution and accuracy are sufficient for measuring switching probability distributions of intrinsic Josephson junctions. For the first switch, crossover temperatures between thermally activated escape and macroscopic quantum tunneling are in the range between 0.8 and 2.2 K. The crossover temperatures of the second switch are approximately 8.0 and 6.8 K for the samples with critical densities of 1.0 and 2.0 kA/cm<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^2$</tex-math></inline-formula>, respectively. We analyze critical current density dependence of the crossover temperature of the second switch. The crossover temperature decreases with increasing critical current density. This anticorrelation can be explained neither by the single-junction model nor by the heating effect. The anticorrelation is a peculiar phenomenon observed in the second switch. We consider that the anticorrelation is attributed to the capacitive coupling. The strength of the capacitive coupling is weaker in IJJs with higher critical current density because the charge screening length is shorter due to increase of carrier density.
Conjunctivitis in the newborn- a comparative study.

BACKGROUND Conjunctivitis of the newborn is defined as hyperemia and eye discharge in the neonates and is a common infection occurring in the neonates in the first month of life. In the United States, the incidence of neonatal conjunctivitis ranges from 1-2%, in India, the prevalence is 0.5-33% and varies in the world from 0.9-21% depending on the socioeconomic status. AIM To study the organisms causing conjunctivitis of the newborn and to correlate the etiology with the mode of delivery. DESIGN Single center, prospective, observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 300 mothers and their newborns, born over a period of one year, were included in the study. Of these 200 newborns were delivered through vaginal route (Group A) and 100 (Group B) delivered by lower segment caesarean section (LSCS). At the time of labour, high vaginal swabs were taken from the mothers. Two conjunctival swabs each from both eyes of the newborn were collected at birth and transported to Microbiology department in a candle jar immediately. RESULTS Eight babies in Group A, developed conjunctivitis at birth. None of the babies in Group B developed conjunctivitis, this difference was statistically highly significant (P<0.000). The organisms found in the conjunctiva of the newborns in Group A were Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, α hemolytic Streptococcus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spps. However, the commonest organism leading to conjunctivitis in the newborn in this study was Coagulase negative Staphylococcus. It was observed that the mothers of 5 out of 8 babies (60%) developing conjunctivitis gave history of midwife interference and premature rupture of membranes so the presence of risk factors contribute to the occurrence of conjunctivitis in the newborn. CONCLUSIONS It is inferred that the mode of delivery and the presence of risk factors is responsible for conjunctivitis in the newborn.
Toward a Model of Organizational Human Capital Development: Preliminary Evidence from Taiwan

This article seeks to explore the black box mediating between human resource management practices and firm performance. It is hypothesized that high performance work systems develop organizational human capital, which in turn, positively affect firm performance. Two organizational antecedents are also hypothesized to lead to the implementation of high performance work systems. They are a top management value that sees human resources and human resource management practices as major sources of competitive advantage, and organizational strategy that seeks to differentiate by product or service innovation. These hypotheses were tested by analysing questionnaires from 62 human resource managers and 206 engineers in 77 information technology companies. Research findings suggest that organizational human capital (employee competencies and commitment) mediates the relationship between high performance work systems and firm performance. Top management human resource values and organizational strategy have a joint effect on the implementation of high performance work systems. This study is exploratory and findings are not conclusive. The implications and limitations of this study are discussed.
The moderating role of nationality on the satisfaction loyalty link: evidence from the tourism industry

The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating effects of Hofstede's taxonomy of nationalities on the interpersonal and environmental service dimensions that influence satisfaction as well as the link between satisfaction and loyalty. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modelling on a multinational pool of 1544 hotel customers from 10 different countries visiting the island of Crete, the study offers to the literature by confirming that national cultural differences affect perceived satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, it offers a solid understanding of the role of the service delivery process and its moderating effects on the physical and interactive dimensions of overall satisfaction. However, Hofstede's taxonomy is not fully supported.
Privatization, Markets and Industrial Relations in China

Within a context of gradual privatization and rapid marketization in China, this paper draws on detailed research of the perceived impact these have had on the work, status and attitudes of different industrial relations 'actors' within seven enterprises in Guangdong and Shanghai in 1998-9. It will be shown that the main pressure for tightening control over the workplace has come from the development of markets and that privatization has had important but limited catalytic effect in this process. Considerable internal and external constraints restrict the impact of privatization, which stem from China's continued ambivalence towards capitalist market relations. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd/London School of Economics 2002.
The translucency effect of different colored resin cements used with zirconia core and titanium abutments

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the different color of resin cements and zirconia cores on the translucency parameter (TP) of the restoration that simulates the implant-supported fixed prosthesis using titanium base on the bottom. Materials and Methods: Zirconia core plates (Zr-Zahn) were prepared in A2 shades (n = 11). Resin cement plates (3M ESPE) were prepared in A2, A1, translucent (TR) shades (n = 11). The initial color measurements and were measured on zirconia core plates, and resin cements plates using a spectrophotometer. Then, the resin cement plates were placed below the zirconia core plates, and the second measurements were done. The final measurements were done after placing the titanium discs in the bottom. The data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant differences tests (α = 0.05). Results: The highest TP values were recorded for A1-colored resin specimens and the lowest for zirconia core plates in the first measurement (P < 0.05). The addition of zirconia core decreased the TP values in all tested resin cement groups (P < 0.05). The highest TP value was recorded for A1-colored resin cement with zirconia core plates and the lowest for A2 and TR with zirconia core plates after second measurements (P < 0.05). The addition of titanium decreased the TP of the zirconia core plate and resin cement combination (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of a zirconia core under the resin cement dramatically reduced the TP values, and the presence of a titanium layer decreased the TP value and caused a darker appearance.
Impact of Intraoperative Continuous‐Infusion Versus Intermittent Dosing of Cefazolin Therapy on the Incidence of Surgical Site Infections After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

To determine whether intraoperative continuous‐infusion (CI) cefazolin reduces the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) compared with intermittent (INT) cefazolin dosing in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB); safety end points and protocol adherence comparing the two dosing strategies were also explored.
Pocketbook Protests

Why do pro-democracy protests emerge in some countries at certain periods of time and not others? Pro-democracy protests, I argue, are more likely to arise when the economy is not performing well and people blame the autocratic nature of their regime for the economy, than when the economy is performing well, or when people do not blame the nature of their regime for the poor state of the economy. People are more likely to associate the economy with the nature of their regime, I further argue, in election periods, particularly when people are unable to remove the incumbent government from power through elections. My argument is supported by a statistical analysis of pro-democracy protests in 158 countries between 2006 and 2011, showing that not only is the economy an important factor explaining the emergence of pro-democracy protests, but that other factors commonly thought to affect these protests, including technologies like cell phones and the Internet, are not.
Determination of NEMA Design Induction Motor Parameters From Manufacturer Data

This paper proposes a simple method of determining the equivalent circuit parameters of National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) design A and B types of induction motors from standard manufacturer data such as rated output power, starting torque, breakdown torque, and efficiency and power factor at rated output power. A set of nonlinear equations for various quantities is first derived from the equivalent circuit with a single-cage rotor model, and then, equate to the corresponding actual values supplied by the manufacturer. These equations are then solved using a least-squares based algorithm to determine the motor parameters. The rotor parameters are considered as slip dependent to predict the starting torque of the motor and that requires refining the breakdown torque equation as well as the slip at which the breakdown torque occurs. The proposed method of determining the motor parameters is then tested on more than 300 large-size HV induction motors. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated by calculating various external quantities of the motors through the estimated parameters and comparing them with the corresponding actual values supplied by the manufacturer.
Comparing Partial and General Equilibrium Estimates of the Welfare Cost of Inflation

Reserve banks worldwide have been moving towards zero inflation policies. Confusion clouds the welfare cost of maintaining such inflation policies despite the best attempts at clarification. Monetary theory research has shifted from partial to general equilibrium economies. This shift has left the partial equilibrium estimates of the welfare cost of inflation below most of the general equilibrium estimates. Put on a comparable basis, partial equilibrium estimates compare more closely with the general equilibrium estimates. Furthermore, evidence suggests that integration under the money demand function appears applicable in general equilibrium economies. Finally, the estimates depend on the elasticities of money demand and the underlying structural parameters.
Three Essays in Public Economics: Theory and Experiments

This thesis is composed of three chapters, which can be read independently. In the rst chapter we explore distributive justice and perception of fairness using survey data from freshmen and senior students of economics and sociology. We analyse the impact of context and education on their preferences over a hypothetical distribution of resources between individuals which presents a trade o¤ between e¢ ciency and equality. With context giving minimal information, economics students are less likely to favour equality; studying economics inuences the preferences of the subjects, increasing this di¤erence. However, when the same problem is inserted into a meaningful context, the difference disappears. Four distribution mechanisms are analysed: egalitarianism, maximin, utilitarianism and utilitarianism with a oor constraint. The second chapter considers a public good game with heterogeneous endowments and incomplete information a¤ected by extreme free-riding. We overcome this problem through the implementation of a contest in which several prizes may be awarded. We identify a monotone equilibrium, in which the contribution is strictly increasing in the endowment. We prove that it is optimal for the social planner to set the last prize equal to zero, but otherwise total expected contribution is invariant to the prize structure. Finally, we show that private provision via a contest Pareto-dominates public provision and is higher than the total contribution raised through a lottery. The third chapter investigates fund-raising mechanisms based on a prize as a way to overcome free riding in the private provision of public goods, under the assumptions of income heterogeneity and incomplete information about income levels. We compare experimentally the performance of a lottery, an all-pay auction and a benchmark voluntary
Social Responsibility Discourse in Empirical and Theoretical Lithuanian Scientific Studies

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the dimension of society’s development, expressing the values, constituting the basis of the perception of sustainability of relations between organisations and society in real life. The development of the private sector in Lithuania relied on the principles of free market, rather than on the principles of social market. This sets additional tasks in pursuance of a broader practical development of corporate social responsibility, which is significantly influenced by scientific insights and research. To achieve the aim, the aspects of theoretical research on corporate social responsibility in the Lithuanian studies on the topic are discussed with the purpose to form guidelines for broader future research. Assessing empirical research in private and public sector organisations in Lithuania, focused on social responsibility, the threats posed by the lack of integral development of social responsibility are distinguished. It is stated that the scientific thought in this case should become the coordinating factor for a wider three-party social-organisation-individual discussion; therefore, theoretical and empirical studies should focus on this relationship, with the view of axiological congruence as the point of contact, which could accelerate social responsibility innovations. When carrying out empirical research in Lithuania, private and public capital should be methodologically distinguished, since the latter provides the obligation to serve the public interest, which is a conceptual opposite to profit maximisation. Based on these positions, it would be meaningful to assess in further studies how the earnings of the public sector managed enterprises are generated and used in the context of social responsibility. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.ee. 25.5. 4898
The Spatial Proximity of Metropolitan Area Housing Submarkets

An important question related to housing submarket construction is whether geographic areas must be spatially adjacent in order to be considered the same submarket. Housing consumers do not necessarily limit their search to spatially concentrated areas and may search similarly priced neighborhoods located throughout a metropolitan area when making housing consumption decisions. This article examines two alternative procedures for delineating submarkets: one that combines adjacent census block groups into areas with enough transactions to estimate the parameters of a hedonic house price equation and a second that permits spatial discontinuities in submarkets. The criterion used to evaluate the alternative techniques is the accuracy of hedonic house price predictions.