Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controlling Hox gene expression and activity to build the vertebrate axial skeleton

It has long been known that Hox genes are central players in patterning the vertebrate axial skeleton. Extensive genetic studies in the mouse have revealed that the combinatorial activity of Hox genes along the anterior–posterior body axis specifies different vertebral identities. In addition, Hox genes were instrumental for the evolutionary diversification of the vertebrate body plan. In this review, we focus on fundamental questions regarding the intricate mechanisms controlling Hox gene activity. In particular, we discuss the functional relevance of the precise timing of Hox gene activation in the embryo. Moreover, we provide insight into the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that are likely to control this process and are responsible for the maintenance of spatially restricted Hox expression domains throughout embryonic development. We also analyze how specific features of each Hox protein may contribute to the functional diversity of Hox family. Altogether, the work reviewed here further supports the notion that the Hox program is far more complex than initially assumed. Exciting new findings will surely emerge in the years ahead. Developmental Dynamics 243:24–36, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Vitro Susceptibilities of Clinical Yeast Isolates to the New Antifungal Eberconazole Compared with Their Susceptibilities to Clotrimazole and Ketoconazole

ABSTRACT The antifungal activity of eberconazole, a new imidazole derivative, against 124 clinical isolates of Candidacomprising eight different species and to 34 isolates ofCryptococcus neoformans was compared to those of clotrimazole and ketoconazole. MICs of eberconazole, determined by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards standardized microbroth method, were equal to or lower than those of other azoles, especially for Candida krusei and Candida glabrata, which are usually resistant to triazoles.
Kinetic-dependent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies to Legionella pneumophila

A semiautomated, kinetic-dependent, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (K-ELISA) was adapted to detect serum antibodies to Legionella pneumophila. In a comparative study, 158 human serum samples (79 pairs) were tested by K-ELISA and the standard indirect immunofluorescence assay for determination of antibody levels to L. pneumophila serogroup 1. K-ELISA determinations were made by using a serogroup-specific antigen or a preparation (unfractionated antigen) which contained both common antigen and serogroup-specific reactivity. There was good correlation between the immunofluorescence assay and the K-ELISA by using either antigen, although greater correlation was achieved with the unfractionated antigen (coefficients of correlation, 0.894 with unfractionated antigen and 0.841 with serogroup-specific antigen). These results indicate that the K-ELISA is a reliable alternative to the immunofluorescence assay for serologically diagnosing legionellosis.
Sensorless rotor velocity tracking control for induction motors

We present a sensorless control algorithm that achieves semi-global exponentional rotor velocity tracking for the full-order, nonlinear dynamic model of an induction motor actuating a mechanical subsystem. The proposed controller utilizes stator current measurements but is termed sensorless due to the inexpensive/simplistic manner in which stator current measurements can be obtained (e.g., relatively inexpensive Hall effect current sensors can be used to obtain current measurements). The control strategy utilizes a novel rotor velocity observer which facilitates the potential for improved rotor velocity tracking transient performance.
Avoiding wealth decrease - an option for insiders?

The purpose of this thesis is to broaden the research field and contribute with a new perspective regarding insider trading and insiders’ ability to avoid negative abnormal return. An event study framework is applied to examine market efficiency on Swedish stock market. Market model is used as an equilibrium model for identifying abnormal returns. The theoretical framework is built on efficient market hypothesis, concept of information asymmetry and signaling hypothesis. The data about insider transactions and stock performance for time period 2000 to 2010 is studied. The findings contradict the efficient market hypothesis in its strongest form. Insiders in Swedish listed firms are able to avoid wealth decrease by selling their shares prior to decline in stock price.
Determinants of Minority Shareholder Rights in the Thai Banking Sector

This paper describes the results of a study supported by the Thai Stock Exchange, that examined the relationship of five factors, family ownership, legal protection for investors, corporate governance practice of shareholder rights, cash flow and bank performance, to minority shareholder rights in the Thai public banking sector. The data for this study was obtained from annual reports and a survey of investors in Thai listed banks. The analyses used a multiple regression model to determine which factors enhanced and which inhibited the protection of minority shareholder rights. The findings of this study found evidence in the Thai commercial banks sector that minority shareholder rights expropriation were associated with family ownership and poor corporate governance practices. The conclusion from the study is that one way of improving the management of minority shareholder rights is to develop new corporate governance practices criteria which are more closely linked with bank performance.
Hospital in the home: a randomised controlled trial

Medicine 1998; 15: 539-553 2. Colman PG, Thomas DW, Zimmet PZ, et al. New classitication and criteria for diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Position Statement from the Australasian Diabetes Society. New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists. Med J Aust 1999; 170: 375-378. 3. Shaw JE, Zimmet PZ, de Courten M, et al. Impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. What best predicts future diabetes in Mauritius? Diabetes Care 1999; 22: 399-402. 4. American Diabetes Association. Report of the expert committee on the diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care 1997; 20: 1183-1197. 5. Perry RC, Baron AD Impaired glucose tolerance: why is it not a disease? Diabetes Care 1999; 22: 883-885. r:I
Scale development for pre-service mathematics teachers’ perceptions related to their pedagogical content knowledge

The purpose of this study is to develop a scale to determine pre-service mathematics teachers’ perceptions related to their pedagogical content knowledge. Firstly, a preliminary perception scale of pedagogical content knowledge was constructed and then administered to 112 pre-service mathematics teachers who were enrolled in a mathematics teacher education programme. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, item analysis, correlation analysis, internal consistency and descriptive statistic techniques were used to analyse the data. Then validity and reliability of the scale were investigated. The analyses resulted in the development of a five-factor scale of 17 items that was proved valid and reliable. We contend that the scale developed has the merit to contribute to pre-service teachers’ self-awareness by revealing their perceptions regarding their pedagogical content knowledge. Keywords : pedagogical content knowledge, pre-service mathematics teachers, scale development
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bacterial Strains Isolated from Patients with Respiratory Tract Infections

This study was aimed to observe the susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from respiratory tract infection (RTI). The study was carried out between June, 2012 and December, 2012. Sputum and throat swab specimens were collected aseptically from patients and cultured on the appropriate bacteriological media. Bacterial isolates were identified by biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility performed by standard methods. Out of 360 specimens, some 337 (93.6%) species of various bacteria isolated. The prevalence of bacteria spp. isolated were as follows Streptococcus pneumoniae (36%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (28.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (24%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11%) and Escherichia coli (0.6%). The susceptibility patterns varied from one bacterial isolates to the other depending on the drug. The susceptibility test against microbial isolates of 13 commercially used antibiotics was used. Most of the isolates were susceptible to Amikacin, Cefotaxime, Ofloxacin, Netilmycin, Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriazone. 50 % of the bacterial spp. was resistant to the other antibiotics. Most of the bacteria were shown 92.6% sensitivity to Amikacin. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 99% resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, 98% resistant to roxithromycin, 96% resistant to sparfloxacin and cefuroxime. These findings have clinical and epidemiological significance
IV contrast infusion for coronary artery CT angiography: literature review and results of a nationwide survey.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to review investigations that evaluated contrast infusion using MDCT with submillimeter detector configuration for coronary artery CT angiography (CTA). Published data are supplemented with 2006 survey results from centers practicing 64-MDCT coronary artery angiography. CONCLUSION Literature and survey results suggest a consensus for the use of IV contrast volumes < 100 mL, infusion rate of 5 mL/s, and a saline chaser. A range of concentrations can be used to attain target coronary artery attenuation levels.
THE NORWAY RAT AS A SELECTIVE CHRONIC CARRIER OF Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae1

Laboratory raised wild Norway rat males (Rattus norvegicus) were injected with leptospires of two serovars: icterohaemorrhagiae and grippotyphosa. The development of a carrier state was monitored serologically, culturally and histologically. Rats infected with icterohaemorrhagiae developed rapidly into a chronic carrier state and shed leptospires in the urine for the duration of the experiment (220 days). At the time of necropsy, histopathologic studies showed evidence of leptospiral infections in the lumen of proximal convoluted tubules of some kidneys. Rats infected with grippotyphosa shed organisms for 40 days after inoculation; thereafter, they apparently cleared the infection. No organisms were detected histologically nor by culture at the end of the experiment (220 days). There appears to be a specific host-parasite relationship in the Norway rat towards becoming chronic carriers when infected with serotype icterohaemorrhagiae but not with grippotyphosa.
Laboratory assay of clinically effective antiepileptic drugs.

Clinically useful antiepileptic drugs were assayed in rats for their ability to modify or prevent electrically or chemically induced seizures. The assays included modification of seizure pattern, ability to elevate normal and experimentally reduced electroshock threshold for minimal seizures, and antagonism to Metrazol. Toxic doses (TD50) and protective doses (PD50) were determined graphically and the protective indices calculated (TD50/PD50).
Gene expression profile of human bone marrow stromal cells determined by restriction fragment differential display analysis

Using an in vitro osteogenic culture system, we carried out a restriction fragment differential display (RFDD‐PCR) to identify genes expressed by these cells in their undifferentiated stage and not expressed, or expressed at a lower level, in a closely related but distinct cell type: bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC)‐derived osteoblasts (BDO). Forty‐seven candidate regulated genes, selected by RFDD, were analyzed by RT‐PCR analysis in three cell clones and in primary cultures from seven different donors. A subset of three genes were confirmed as upregulated in BMSC relative to BDO in every primary culture and cloned population examined: βIG‐h3, IGFbp3, and LOXL2. Their differential expression was confirmed by Northern analysis and the corresponding proteins were detected by immunolocalization in BMSC. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Volatility and Institutional Investor Holdings in a Declining Market: A Study of NASDAQ During the Year 2000

We investigate the differences in the holdings of institutional investors relative to individual investors during an eight-month period between March and November 2000, where the Nasdaq Composite index fell 46.23% in value. We find evidence that during that market decline, institutional investors held stocks with less return volatility than individual investors. Our evidence of institutional investor preference for holding lower volatility stocks in a declining market may indicate their relatively greater sensitivity to downside risk. As a consequence, institutional investors are found to perform better than individual investors during that specific time period.
Electromagnetic-Thermal Characterization of on On-Chip Coupled (A)Symmetrical Interconnects

Based on several extended formulas to determine all frequency-and temperature-dependent distributed parameters of on-chip coupled asymmetrical and symmetrical interconnects on silicon substrates, the electromagnetic-thermal characteristics of interconnects were investigated in detail, including 1) wideband series impedances and shunt conductances, 2) conductive and dielectric attenuation constants of even(c) and odd (pi)-mode, 3) pulse waveform distortion and crosstalk, and 4) average power handling capability (APHC). In these investigations, a set of modified formulas were proposed to determine the mutual conductance and capacitance of asymmetrical configuration. Appropriate thermal models were employed to evaluate the rise in temperature of metal interconnects, where the lateral heat dissipation was taken into account for different spacings between two interconnects. Parametric calculations were performed to capture the hybrid effects of all geometric and physical parameters of metal interconnects, such as line thickness, line conductivity, and silicon conductivity. All numerical examples are believed to be useful in the design of (a)symmetrical interconnects for digital and radio frequency circuits.
Academic achievement in children with oral clefts versus unaffected siblings.

OBJECTIVE To compare academic achievement in children with oral-facial clefts (OFC) with their unaffected siblings. METHODS 256 children with OFC were identified from the Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders, and 387 unaffected siblings were identified from birth certificates. These data were linked to Iowa Testing Programs achievement data. We compared academic achievement in children with OFC with their unaffected siblings using linear regression models, adjusted for potential confounders. In post hoc analyses, we explored modifiers of siblings' academic performance. RESULTS Achievement scores were similar between children with OFC and their siblings. Children with cleft palate only were significantly more likely to use special education than their unaffected siblings. Siblings' academic achievement was inversely related to distance in birth order and age from the affected child. CONCLUSION Children with OFC and their siblings received similar achievement scores. Younger siblings, in particular, may share a vulnerability to poor academic outcomes.
The determinants of corporate financial policy in Zimbabwe: empirical evidence from company panel data

This thesis examines the patterns and determinants of corporate financial policy (capital structure and dividend policy) in Zimbabwe. In particular it investigates various aspects of corporate financial behaviour in an emerging market; the evolution of corporate financial structure and dividend payout ratio over the past 25 years (1975-1999), the impact of the reform programme (introduced in 1992) on firm characteristics, the corporate financing patterns during the period 1990-1999, the determinants of corporate capital structures and dividend policy and the interaction between corporate financing and dividend policy decisions. The main results that emerge from the analysis suggest that (i) the debt ratio for the Zimbabwean corporate sector significantly increased after the reform (ii) the Zimbabwean corporate sector mainly depends on external finance (75 % of total financing) especially short-term finance, which contributes 52 % of total financing. Furthermore, the results support the following hypotheses (i) the pecking order hypothesis that firms prefer internal financing to external financing, (ii) the trade-off hypothesis that non-debt tax shields reduce the expected gains from leverage, (iii) firms use liquid assets to finance investments, (iv) the agency cost hypothesis that increasing managerial ownership helps to align the interests of managers and shareholders and therefore reduces the role of debt as an agency-conflict mitigating factor, (v) large firms have lower bankruptcy costs and therefore can support more debt than smaller firms, (vi) debt service limits the amount of cash paid out as dividends, and (vii) high growth firms rely on external finance more than low growth firms (viii) high growth and firms have low payout ratios (iv) Cash flows and institutional investors increase the likelihood that firms will pay dividends (v) capital structure and dividend policy decisions are interdependent and highly leveraged firms have low payout ratios.
Exploring Current Status of the Usage of Business Simulation Games in Thai's Business School

mans, and Sithole, 2007) have been fostering application of business simulation games in their curriculum, business simulation games in Thai business schools which influenced significantly from USA and Europe are also likely to play a wider and significant role in classroom teaching. Since quantitative information on the use of such games in Thai business school is still very limited, it is important for business educators to explore the current condition of business simulation games in Thai Business School and to understand key similarities and differences between Western countries and Thailand in business educational institutions. In order to enhance the body of knowledge in this area (Scott, 2002; Proserpio and Gioia, 2007; Kolb, 1984; Gosen and Washbush, 2004; Thavikulwat, 2004), it is of paramount importance that educators know what, how, and when such games can be used in the Thai classroom setting in business school. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the current situation of business simulation game in business schools in Thailand.
The Pricing of Block Shares: Trading Off Liquidity Against Control

Using a unique dataset of negotiated block trades of listed companies in China, we quantify the trade-off between liquidity and control of block shares. While the size of the block increases the probability of gaining control, it also imposes liquidity constraints on the owner. The joint effects of private benefit of control and liquidity constraints are found to have offsetting impact on the pricing of block shares: the first adds a premium and the latter adds a discount. The outcome is a humped relationship between the size of block trade and block price. We have also found that trading restrictions have strong negative impacts on the price of blocks. Furthermore, private institutions offer a higher price than state-owned institutions.
Evaluation of spermatogenesis and fertility in F1 male rats after in utero and neonatal exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields.

AIM To determine whether in utero and neonatal exposure to a 60 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) results in spermatotoxicity and reproductive dysfunction in the F1 offspring of rats. METHODS Age-matched, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed continuously (21 h/day) to a 60 Hz EMF at field strengths of 0 (sham control), 5, 83.3 or 500 microT from day 6 of gestation through to day 21 of lactation. The experimentally generated magnetic field was monitored continuously (uninterrupted monitoring over the period of the study) throughout the study. RESULTS No exposure-related changes were found in exposed or sham-exposed animals with respect to the anogenital distance, preputial separation, testis weight, testicular histology, sperm count, daily sperm production, sperm motility, sperm morphology and reproductive capacity of F1 offspring. CONCLUSION Exposure of Sprague-Dawley rats to a 60 Hz EMF at field strengths of up to 500 microT from day 6 of gestation to day 21 of lactation did not produce any detectable alterations in offspring spermatogenesis and fertility.
Viewing versus Experiencing in Adopting Somatosensory Technology for Smart Applications

Emerging somatosensory technology offers unprecedented opportunities for researchers and industrial practitioners to design a touchless smart home system. However, existing touchless smart home systems often fail to attract a satisfying level of acceptance among home owners. The experience users have with the touchless system is key to making somatosensory technology a pervasive computing home application, yet little research has been conducted to assess the influence of direct and indirect experience on user’s behavioral intention to use somatosensory technology. To address this research gap, this paper set up an experimental design to investigate the influence of direct and indirect experience in user technology acceptance. Using an in-house developed touchless system, two experimental studies (i.e., video observation versus product trial) were conducted with sixty-two participants to investigate whether the user experience has an impact on the adoption decision. Our findings indicate that direct experience has an impact on a user’s acceptance of somatosensory technology. We found a significant difference in the relationships between perceived complexity and usage intentions. Perceived complexity was a significant predictor of an individual’s behavioral intention to use the touchless system after video observation, while its relationship to usage intention was insignificant after the user had direct experience with touchless system. Our study reveals an important implication for somatosensory technology marketers, in which product trial (direct experience) engenders more reliable inferences than does exposure to video demonstration (indirect experience). Based on this, companies should devise marketing programme involving direct experience (e.g., product trial and showroom visit) to promote new somatosensory-enabled smart home systems. The results of the study also demonstrate that user experience in research design may influence the results of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) studies. Normal 0 0 2 false false false EN-US ZH-TW X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:? ; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:. 0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-font-kerning:1.0pt;}