Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Insulin sensitizer, troglitazone, directly inhibits aromatase activity in human ovarian granulosa cells.

Ovarian granulosa cells synthesize estrogens from androgens, which are catalyzed by aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom). Troglitazone (Tro), one of the insulin-sensitizing compounds, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), is a ligand for peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and is effective in the treatment of both non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) as well as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PPARgamma exerts a transcriptional activity as a PPARgamma:RXR heterodimer. In this study, we investigated the effects of Tro and/or RXR ligand, LG100268 (LG) on the aromatase activity in cultured human ovarian granulosa cells obtained from patients who underwent in vitro fertilization. Human ovarian granulosa cells expressed PPARgamma mRNA assessed by RT-PCR. The treatment of the granulosa cells with Tro for 24 h resulted in a dramatic inhibition of the aromatase activity in a dose-dependent manner. While the treatment with LG alone also inhibited the aromatase activity, the combined treatment with both Tro and LG caused a much more reduction in the aromatase activity. The changes in the aromatase activity by Tro and/or LG were associated with comparable changes in P450arom mRNA assessed by RT-PCR. These results suggest that Tro directly inhibit the aromatase activity in human granulosa cells probably via nuclear receptor system PPARgamma:RXR heterodimer. The findings may provide a biochemical basis for the decrease in the blood concentrations of estrogens which is observed after the in vivo administration of Tro and may also possibly be useful as a novel therapy for estrogen-dependent diseases.
THE EFFECT OF MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA

v ABBREVIATIONS . vi LIST OF TABLES . xi LIST OF FIGURES . xii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background to the Study . 1 1.1.1 Mergers and Acquisitions . 3 1.1.2 Financial Performance . 4 1.1.3 Financial Institutions in Kenya . 5 1.1.4 Relationship between Mergers and Acquisitions and Financial performance . 6 1.2 Research Problem . 7 1.3 Research Objective . 9 1.4 Significance of the Study . 9
An Empirical Study on the Relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance in China

The relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance has been the focus of an increasing amount of attention and the most contentious topic in studies of corporate social responsibility.Based on stakeholder theory,this paper uses stakeholder performance index as the surrogate of corporate social responsibility,to explore the relationships between corporate social responsibility and their financial performance.The conclusions drawn from this study definitely answer which the two basic questions:(1)there is a positive association between corporate social responsibility and financial performance in China;(2)corporate social responsibility and financial performance interact as both cause and effect in a reciprocal manner.
Does the Long Plasma Half‐Life of 4β‐Hydroxycholesterol Impact Its Utility as a Cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) Metric?

Plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol (4βHC) has been proposed as an endogenous marker of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). To assess its utility as a CYP3A metric, a pharmacokinetic model, assuming no alteration in cholesterol plasma concentrations, was developed to simulate the effect of CYP3A induction and inhibition on 4βHC plasma levels under different treatment durations. By incorporating the long plasma half‐life of 4βHC (∼17 days) into the model, the inductive effect of 2 known inducers (carbamazepine and rifampicin) reported in the literature was adequately described. Furthermore, the simulations showed that it was possible to resolve none, weak, moderate, and potent inducers within 2 weeks of dosing. On the other hand, simulations indicated that at least 2 weeks of dosing would be needed to detect the potent inhibition of CYP3A (maximal ∼40% decrease in 4βHC plasma levels). Greater differentiation of weak, moderate, and potent CYP3A inhibitors would require a longer duration of dosing (≥1 month). When considering 4βHC as a metric, one should take into account assay precision, the anticipated magnitude of the effect, and the feasibility of dosing beyond 2 weeks. In addition, the 4βHC metric needs to be normalized with the corresponding cholesterol plasma level in the same subject.
Levels of protein and protein composition in hard winter wheat flours and the relationship to breadmaking

ABSTRACT Protein and protein fractions were measured in 49 hard winter wheat flours to investigate their relationship to breadmaking properties, particularly loaf volume, which varied from 760 to 1,055 cm3 and crumb grain score of 1.0–5.0 from 100 g of flour straight-dough bread. Protein composition varied with flour protein content because total soluble protein (SP) and gliadin levels increased proportionally to increased protein content, but albumins and globulins (AG), soluble polymeric proteins (SPP), and insoluble polymeric protein (IPP) levels did not. Flour protein content was positively correlated with loaf volume and bake water absorption (r = 0.80, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.45, P < 0.01, respectively). The percent SP based on flour showed the highest correlation with loaf volume (r = 0.85) and low but significant correlation with crumb grain score (r = 0.35, P < 0.05). Percent gliadins based on flour and on protein content were positively correlated to loaf volume (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.46, .
The Rise of the PIPE Market

The article provides an overview of the emerging PIPE market and existing academic research in this area. I start with an introduction of the PIPE market, such as the definition of PIPE, security structure, and commonly used contract terms. Then I review existing papers examining the cost of PIPEs, returns to PIPE investors, and the role of placement agents in the offering. I also discuss recent SEC enforcement on hedge funds who involved in some PIPE transactions. Finally, I analyze how the current financial crisis has impacted the PIPE market and where this market is heading for.
Using Dietary Propionic Acid to Limit Salmonella gallinarum Colonization in Broiler Chicks

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary propionic acid on inhibitory effect of Salmonella gallinarum. Day-old 144 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments, three replicates per treatment. The four dietary treatments consisted of 0.0, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8% dietary propionic acid. Chicks were challenged orally on three days of age with 10 6 cfu Salmonella gallinarum. Sample of crop and cecal contents were obtained on Days 1, 8 and 15 post-inoculation. The pH of crop contents decreased significantly (p<0.01) for groups of chicks provided 1.2 and 1.8% propionic acid in the diet as compared with those provided 0.6% propionic acid and control group. The pH of cecal contents decreased significantly (p<0.01) for groups of chicks provided with 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8% of propionic acid as compared with control group. The number of Salmonella gallinarum positive culture in the crop and ceca of chicks, decreased significantly (p<0.01) from the groups provided with 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8% of propionic acid in the diet at day 1, 8 and 15 post-inoculation. The addition of 1.8% propionic acid in the diet provided a high level of protection against colonization than did 0.6 and 1.2%. These results indicate that the addition of propionic acid in a concentration of 1.2 or more to the diet of newly hatched chicks significantly decreases crop and cecal colonization by Salmonella gallinarum. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 2 : 243-246)
Real-Time Quantitative PCR of Telomerase mRNA Is Useful for the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Pancreatic Disorders

The presence of telomerase activity has been proposed as a specific and sensitive marker for malignant tissue, and positivity rates of up to 95% have been reported in pancreatic cancer. In the present study telomerase activity analysis was reevaluated in 29 pancreatic cancer tissues compared with 36 chronic pancreatitis tissues and 21 normal controls, and a study was made of whether malignant and benign pancreatic disorders can be better differentiated using a novel technique–real-time quantitative PCR analysis–analyzing telomerase mRNA expression. Telomerase activity was present in 35% (10 of 29) of pancreatic cancer samples, 3% (one of 36) of chronic pancreatitis samples, and none of the normal pancreatic tissue samples in the TRAP assay. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed the presence of telomerase mRNA expression in 50% (10 of 20) of normal, 86% (31 of 36) of chronic pancreatitis, and 90% (26 of 29) of pancreatic cancer samples. However, quantification of the expression data revealed that the relative increase above normal was 5.5 (range, 3.5–8.6) for chronic pancreatitis and 23.9 (range, 18.6–30.7) for pancreatic cancer samples (p < 0.01). No relationship was found between telomerase activity and the fold increase of telomerase mRNA above normal and gender, patient age, tumor stage, or tumor grade. These data indicate that detection of telomerase activity using the TRAP assay has limitations in differentiating benign and malignant pancreatic disorders. However, telomerase mRNA analysis by real-time quantitative PCR analysis allows a highly sensitive detection and differentiation of pancreatic cancer from normal pancreas and chronic pancreatitis and thereby may serve as a new reliable, easy, and effective diagnostic tool for cancer diagnosis.
Wafer level test methodology for HV latch-up spacing rules development in BCD process technologies

A wafer-level latch-up test methodology was developed to address latch-up spacing rules complexity in HV Bipolar CMOS DMOS (BCD) process. The proposed approach is validated by multi-point comparison of the component level experimental results with JEDEC-compliant standard industrial tester and against a number of process technology variations.
Determinants of Internet Financial Disclosure in GCC Countries

The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants and characteristics of voluntary internet disclosures by listed companies in Saudi Arabia and Oman. This paper uses archival data from listed companies on Tadawul Stock Exchange and Muscat Securities Market. Binary Logistic Regression analysis is used to examine the determinants of internet financial reporting. Mann-Whitney test is used to examine the differences in disclosure characteristics between the two countries. The results of this study reveal that firm size is the major influencing factor that impacts internet financial reporting. The results reveal that a number of disclosure characteristics that differ significantly between the two countries. The paper provides insights into corporate internet disclosures in the GCC countries that will benefit all stakeholders with an interest in corporate reporting in this important region of the world.
Glycobiology of the Leishmania parasite and emerging targets for antileishmanial drug discovery

Importance of the field: Parasitic diseases that pose a threat to human life include leishmaniasis – caused by protozoa of Leishmania species. Existing drugs have limitations due to deleterious side effects like teratogenicity and factors like cost and drug resistance, thus furthering the need to develop this area of research. Areas covered in this review: We came across drug targets, very recently characterised, cloned and validated by genomics and bioinformatics. We bring these promising drug targets into focus so that they can be explored to their fullest. What the reader will gain: In an effort to bridge the gaps between existing knowledge and future prospects of drug discovery, we found interesting studies validating drug targets and paving the way for better experiments to be designed. In a few cases, novel pathways have been characterized, while in others, well established pathways when probed further, led to the discovery of new drug targets. Take home message: The review constitutes a comprehensive report on upcoming drug targets, with emphasis on glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoconjugates along with related biochemistry of enolase, glycosome and purine salvage pathways, as we strive to bring ourselves a step closer to being able to combat this deadly disease.
Non-Performing Loan on Profitability: Evidence from Banking Sector of Dhaka Stock Exchange

Banking sector of Bangladesh is trapped in a gridlock of non-performing loans (NPLs) so much so that NPL accounts for 11.60% of the total volume of classified loans. This problem has started to be widening with an evil trend of loan embezzlement among the industrial borrowers in our country. Frequent scam series in banking industry is surely a red light and unfortunately the commercial banks are highly surrounded by it. The goal of the study is to analyze the impact of non-performing loan (NPL) on profitability where in this study considered net interest margin (NIM). This paper attempts to find out the time series scenario of non-performing loans (NPLs), its growth, provisions and relation with banks profitability by using some ratios and a linear regression model of econometric technique. The empirical results represent that non-performing loan (NPL) as percentage of total loans on listed banks in Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) is very high and they holds more than 50% of total non-performing loans (NPLs) of the listed 30 banks in Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) for year 2008 to 2013. Moreover it is one of the major factors of influencing banks profitability and it has statistically significant negative impact on net profit margin (NPM) of listed banks for the study periods.
A Review of Cross-Cultural Methodologies for Organizational Research: A Best- Practices Approach

Cross-cultural studies that use self-report instruments can present researchers with a variety of challenges. This article reviews the organizational research literature between the years of 1995 and 2001 to identify common practices prevalent in this type of research. Key methodological issues are examined within the context of a three-stage framework: (a) the development of the research question, (b) the alignment of the research contexts, and (c) the validation of the research instruments. This examination serves as a basis for the identification of best-practice recommendations for cross-cultural researchers.
The Correlation Between Circulating Betatrophin and Insulin Resistance in General Population: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Many inconsistent findings are reported on the correlation between circulating betatrophin and insulin resistance in the different population. The aim of this analysis was to explore the correlation between the level of betatrophin and insulin resistance in the general population. The databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (inception to October 26, 2016) were searched without language restrictions for publications that reported studies on associations between betatrophin and insulin resistance in adults. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity. The pooled effect size was calculated using a random-effects model. Twenty-five studies were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that betatrophin was positively and significantly correlated with insulin resistance (r=0.16, 95% CI: 0.08–0.25). When all participants were divided into DM, GDM, and Non-DM groups, this association was also significant in T2DM, GDM, and Non-DM participants (T2DM: r=0.09, 95% CI: 0.01–0.17; I 2=45.1%; GDM: r=0.39, 95% CI: 0.24–0.55; I 2=0.0%; non-DM: r=0.15, 95% CI: 0.04–0.26; I 2=89.3%), and it was obvious that heterogeneity existed in Non-DM group (I 2=89.3%, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that gender, serum sample and ELISA kits for full-length betatrophin had significant influence on the association between betatrophin and insulin resistance. In conclusion, the level of circulating betatrophin is positively associated with insulin resistance in the general population, especially in T2DM and GDM patients. Gender, serum sample, and ELISA kits for full-length betatrophin may affect this association. More large-scale studies are needed to determine whether improving insulin resistance concomitantly declines betatrophin levels in different diseases.
Size Matters: Organisational Culture in Small, Medium, and Large Australian Organisations

Abstract Despite extensive research on corporate culture, very little empirical research has examined the culture of small organisations. An updated version of the Organizational Culture Profile (OCP, O’Reilly, Chatman, and Caldwell, 1991) was used in an Australia-wide survey (n=1918). Executives from small, medium, and large organisations recorded perceptions of the culture of their organisations. The results indicate that small organisations (<100 employees, n=655) were perceived to be significantly more supportive, competitive, innovative, and performance-oriented than medium-sized or large organisations. Practical and theoretical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Electronic Cash: A Qualitative Assessment of its Adoption

Examines the nature of a relatively new financial service, electronic cash. A qualitative study of students’ use of a specific form of electronic cash, namely Mondex, was undertaken. Attitudes and opinions were sought and the results presented within a theoretical framework of likely adoption. It was found that all students compared the performance of electronic cash with the traditional form of cash. A number of problems were encountered by students in relation to security, speed and complexity of use, although in some situations it was a preferred alternative. Concludes that these issues will need to be addressed but that electronic cash may have advantages in certain situations and that marketing effort should be concentrated on identifying niche opportunities or bundling appropriate services onto the card to provide a relative advantage for increasingly discerning consumers.
Characterization of phenolic compounds in olive stones of three moroccan varieties

Phenolic compounds have a fundamental importance in the nutritional and sensorial characteristics of olive. In this study phenolic compounds extracted from olive fruit stones of three Moroccan registered cultivars were analyzed. The obtained results showed that the total amount of phenolic compounds varied according to the olive variety. The stones of the Moroccan Picholine variety were the richest in total phenolic compounds (11,32 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of dry weight (DW)) followed by Haouzia (4,55 mg GAE/g DW) and Menara (3,56 mg GAE/g DW). The qualitative analysis showed that the analyzed extracts were predominated by nuzhenide and its derivatives. Thus nuzhenide was observed among the major compound in the three studied cultivars. Its mono, di and tri 11-methyl oleoside adducts were also detected. Various compounds with the same molecular weight values and corresponding to nuzhenide or its derivatives were detected indicating the presence of various isomers.
Respiratory Epithelial Adenomatoid Hamartoma: Diagnostic Pitfalls With Emphasis on Differential Diagnosis

In the upper aerodigestive tract, respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) is described as a polypoid proliferation of glands lined by ciliated respiratory epithelium that seem to invaginate downward into the submucosa while maintaining direct continuity with the surface mucosa. The lesion can be confused with a variety of benign and malignant entities, including inflammatory polyp, inverted schneiderian papilloma, and low-grade sinonasal adenocarcinoma. In reviewing the historical, clinical, gross, and histopathologic features of REAH and its subtypes, we elucidate how the distinction of REAH with florid mucinous metaplasia from low-grade adenocarcinoma can be challenging particularly in the setting of small biopsy samples. Diagnostic criteria are reviewed with emphasis on key distinguishing characteristics. The significance of this distinction is paramount in preventing unwarranted surgery and untoward consequences for the patient.
Fraudulent consumer returns: exploiting retailers' return policies

Purpose – Although dysfunctional behaviors by customers is increasingly being recognized by both scholars and practitioners, “illegitimate” complaining, in the form of fraudulent returns by customers, is under‐researched. The aim of this study is to address this gap in extant knowledge through explicitly focusing on uncovering factors which permit consumers to exploit retailers' liberal return policies when fraudulently returning products that they know they have used or damaged.Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews were utilized as the main data collection method. Interviews were conducted amongst service employees and customers. A total of 87 interviews were conducted with front‐line employees and managers of 12 general retail outlets. Customer interviewing involved 96 interviews. Potential customer informants were randomly contacted with a request to participate in a study of customer service and returning goods.Findings – Data analysis revealed ten main factors that appear to be related to.
Are consumers what they consume? - Linking lifestyle segmentation to product attributes: an exploratory study of the Chinese mobile phone market

Product attributes influence consumer perceptions of the personal relevance of a product or service to their needs. In this paper using mobile charging attributes offered to consumers in the Chinese mobile phone market, we empirically test whether consumer preferences for product attributes are significantly linked to their lifestyle. Combining prior theory about product characteristics with studies on lifestyle segmentation, the authors show in a large-scale field study that consumers can be segmented into four lifestyle clusters according to their preferences for different mobile charging attributes. In addition, it is observed that the differential effect of certain mobile charging attributes on consumers in different clusters may be related to consumers' perceived functional or hedonic use of these attributes. Finally we discuss the implications of our findings for managers in product positioning using lifestyle segmentation approach.
A note on Newton's method for system of stochastic differential equations

Abstract. Kawabata and Yamada (1991) proposed an implicit formulation for Newton's method for an univariate stochastic differential equation (SDEs). Amano (2009) used the linearized equation technique and proposed explicit formulation for the Newton scheme. In this note, we extend the Newton method for univariate SDEs to the multivariate cases. The error analysis is given and some examples are proposed. Results show that the method works well.
Consumer perceptions of mobile phone marketing: A direct marketing innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a recent study which explored consumer perceptions of mobile phone marketing. Through the application of constructs adapted from traditional innovation and product involvement research, the study examined how a consumer's perception of the relative advantages, compatibility and complexity associated with mobile phone marketing, and their involvement with their mobile phone, influenced their intention to accept marketing communication sent via this channel.Design/methodology/approach – A deductive, quantitative research approach was adopted, where data was collected using a self‐completed questionnaire administered to a sample of 254 university students.Findings – Statistical analysis revealed that a consumer's perceptions of two of the three innovation attributes tested (relative advantage and compatibility) were significantly associated with their acceptance (or adoption) of marketing messages sent via their mobile phone. However, a slight.