Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction of a Cellular Defense Reaction Is Accompanied by an Increase in Sensory Neuron Excitability in Aplysia

The complexity of vertebrate immune and nervous systems makes detailed cellular analysis of neuroimmune interactions a challenging prospect. The immune systems of invertebrates, although much less complex than their vertebrate counterparts, share basic cellular defense responses to wounded self or nonself. We have developed a simple model system to study neuroimmune interactions using an invertebrate preparation well suited to detailed cellular analysis. Loose ligation of peripheral nerves in Aplysia induced a cellular defense reaction evidenced by the accumulation of large numbers of amebocytes at the ligation site. From 5 to 30 d after ligation, the excitability of the soma of sensory neurons having axons in ligated nerves was increased compared to contralateral sensory neurons with axons in nonligated nerves. Spike threshold and afterhyperpolarization were reduced, and spike amplitude and duration were increased. Spike accommodation was also decreased such that sensory neurons on the ligated side fired more spikes to a 1 sec intracellular depolarizing pulse than control sensory neurons. These effects are unlikely to be accounted for by ligation-induced injury of sensory axons since both morphological and electrophysiological evidence indicated that the axons in ligated nerves were healthy and able to conduct action potentials. Amebocytes activated by the presence of nonself may release factors that lead to a central sensitization of sensory neurons with axons in close proximity to the amebocytes.
Adaptive Fuzzy Backstepping Control for A Class of Nonlinear Systems With Sampled and Delayed Measurements

This paper investigates the adaptive fuzzy backstepping control and H∞ performance analysis for a class of nonlinear systems with sampled and delayed measurements. In the control scheme, a fuzzy-estimator (FE) model is used to estimate the states of the controlled plant, while the fuzzy logic systems are used to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions in the nonlinear system. The controller is obtained based on the FE model by combining the backstepping technique with the classic adaptive fuzzy control method. In the stability analysis, all the signals in the closed-loop system are guaranteed to be semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded (SUUB) and the outputs of the system are proven to converge to a small neighborhood of origin. Furthermore, the H∞ performance is investigated and the outputs of the closed-loop system are bounded in the H∞ sense. Two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Proteomic identification of potential protein markers in cerebrospinal fluid of GBS patients

Increased protein level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a characteristic of patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), an acute inflammatory autoimmune disorder in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease remain poorly understood and so far no reliable disease‐related markers are available. By comparing the CSF proteome of GBS patients with control subjects suffering from other neurological disorders, it may be possible to identify proteins that involve in the disease process and thus to study the pathogenesis of GBS. We used two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE) technique, in combination with matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), to determine the abnormal CSF proteins in GBS patients. Our data showed that the levels of six proteins and their isoforms in CSF were significantly altered in GBS patients compared with controls. Haptoglobin, apolipoprotein A‐IV and PRO2044 (unnamed protein) were considerably increased in the CSF of GBS patients, whereas transthyretin, apolipoprotein E and fibrinogen were considerably decreased. We concluded that these six proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of GBS and call for further studying the role of these proteins in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Baseball Attendance and the Designated Hitter

Major League Baseball, is a business. As such, professional baseball teams are anxious to improve the nature of the product for profit enhancement purposes. As early as 1928 the use of a designated hitter (DH) had been suggested as a product improvement. [Dewtsch et. al. p. 130] Under the DH rule adopted by the American League in 1973, a team is allowed to designate a player who will bat in place of one of the nine players in the lineup. The DH does not play in the field; his contribution is limited to offense only. The optimum strategy is for the DH to bat in place of the weakest hitter in the line-up, typically the pitcher. It should be apparent that the use of a DH will increase the amount of runs scored in a game because of the substitution of a relatively strong hitter for a relatively weak one. This latter point is readily conceded by both proponents and opponents to the rule. If increasing the amount of offense in a baseball game is a genuine product improvement, then demand should increase and revenues should be enhanced.
The use of severe combined immunodeficiency mice to study the metabolism of human immunoglobulin g

Background. Although the four human immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotypes are similar in structure, they exhibit significant differences in effector function and catabolic half‐life. With advent of structurally engineered antibodies, there is the potential to design antibody constructs with desired half‐lives however, it is first necessary to discover the structures and mechanisms that control immunoglobulin metabolism.
Determinants of current ratios: a study with reference to companies listed in Bombay stock exchange

Current ratio measures the liquidity and margin of safety that companies maintain in order to allow for the inevitable unevenness in the flow of funds. The present study examines the trend and determinants of current ratios of listed companies in India using panel least square with fixed and random effect. The analysis is based on data collected from 219 companies of Bombay Stock Exchange 500 index. The study evaluated the determinants of current ratios and trend in sector wise as well as sample taken as a whole. The result of the study shows current ratio is showing a negative trend in last decade. Receivable days, payable days, inventory days and size of the firm are the major determinant of current ratio. Inventory turnover does not have any impact for determine current ratio
Pituitary apoplexy treated by transsphenoidal surgery. A clinicopathological and immunocytochemical study.

✓ The authors report 13 patients with pituitary apoplexy who were treated at their institution between November, 1972, and September, 1982. The uncommon nature of this syndrome is suggested by the fact that, during this same period of time, 940 patients were treated for pituitary adenoma by transsphenoidal surgery. It is evident that prompt and accurate diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy is necessary to achieve optimal results from treatment. Although large hemorrhages occasionally necessitate craniotomy to decompress the suprasellar structures, usually this condition can be satisfactorily treated by transsphenoidal decompression and, in most cases, this is the procedure of choice.
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Performance of Small Businesses in the Retail Sector in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

The high failure rate of small businesses in the retail sector has necessitated the need to identify strategies that will improve their levels of performance. Evidence exists to suggest that the implementation of entrepreneurially orientated strategies will lead to improved business performance. The primary objectives of this study are to establish the level of entrepreneurial orientation of small businesses in the retail sector in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa and to establish the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on their business performance. A quantitative research approach was implemented and convenience sampling to gather 153 usable questionnaires from small retail businesses in the Eastern Cape Province. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the validity of the measuring instrument. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were calculated to assess the reliability of the measuring instrument. Multiple regression analysis was performed to analyse the hypothesised relationships. The results of this study show that the dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation, namely Pro-activeness, Innovativeness and Competitive aggressiveness have a significant positive influence on the success of the business, whereas the dimensions Autonomy and Risk
The capabilities and performance advantages of market‐driven firms

Although progress has been made in understanding market‐driven businesses from a theoretical perspective, relatively few empirical studies have addressed the capabilities needed to become market‐driven and the performance advantages accruing to firms possessing these capabilities. One of the barriers faced has been in defining what is meant by the term “market‐driven”. Develops a multi‐dimensional measure useful for assessing the degree to which a firm is market‐driven. Presents evidence that market‐driven business units developed higher levels of six vital marketing capabilities (in the areas of market research, pricing, product development, channels, promotion, and market management) than their less market‐driven rivals and significantly outperformed these rival business units on four measures of organizational performance.
Successful industrial service pricing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the way industrial service firms price the services they render in the market, with particular emphasis on the pricing practices of pricing‐competent firms.Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve the study's research objectives, data were collected through a mail survey from 129 transportation and 48 information technology companies. Moreover, 20 in‐depth personal interviews were conducted in the initial phase of the research.Findings – The study found that pricing‐competent firms have developed a “holistic” and multi‐faceted pricing approach, paying attention to both company‐ and market‐related pricing objectives, methods, policies, and information.Research limitations/implications – These findings underline the multidimensionality that characterizes pricing decisions, necessitating a systematic approach triggered by the thorough examination of both company‐ and market‐related characteristics. The significance of these findings notw.
Improved optimisation through advanced relationship planning

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for advanced relationship planning between a contract manufacturer and the other key players within the supply chain. In doing so it allows the contract manufacturer to achieve improved optimisation through better insight into current and future supply chain activity.Design/methodology/approach – The research commences with a literature review that synthesises across total quality management (TQM), customer focus and contemporary business excellence to create a framework specific to contract manufacturing. The major elements were verified by surveys. Applicability and exploitability was validated using action research.Findings – The paper confirms that horizontal alliances in either collaborative or cooperative form are in their infancy as regards contract manufacturing. The framework presented makes it possible for contract manufacturers to identify, evaluate and form relationships with competitors and complementor companies towards understand.
Corporate Reputation and Business Performance

The management of corporate reputation requires a strategic orientation that establishes and consistently maintains desired positioning for the organisation. It is important as it, potentially, influences organisational performance. However, the reputational dimensions and the extent to which this association with marketing influence performance measures have not been extensively examined. This empirical study investigates a stakeholder-focused, multidimensional measure of corporate reputation and aims to identify whether it is associated with organisational performance. The results indicate a positive relationship between stakeholder-focused corporate reputation and market share. However, corporate reputation does not appear to be directly associated with profit levels.
An empirical analysis of buying behaviour in UK high street womenswear retailing using the Dirichlet model

Clothes shopping behaviour is thought to be characterized by a high degree of segmentation but there appears to be little previous research to validate these assumptions. In addition, the belief that clothes shoppers are fickle has led to scepticism regarding the ability of empirical models to analyse consumer behaviour in this sector. However, an empirical analysis of 'Fashiontrak' data compiled by Taylor Nelson Sofres plc using the Dirichlet model highlights regular and predictable patterns of consumer behaviour; there appears to be little difference between how shoppers frequent womenswear retailers and how they buy fast-moving consumer goods brands despite major structural differences between the two (such as purchase frequency, pricing levels, durability of the product). The implications that these observations have on customer loyalty, marketing planning, store patronage and store location and performance planning are discussed.
Development of quantitative mass spectrometric immunoassay for serum amyloid A

Abstract Objective: Proteins can exist as multiple proteoforms in vivo that can have important roles in physiological and pathological states. Methods: We present the development and characterization of mass spectrometric immunoassay (MSIA) for quantitative determination of serum amyloid A (SAA) proteoforms. Results: Intra- and inter-day precision revealed CVs <10%. Against existing SAA ELISA, the developed MSIA showed good correlation according to the Altman–Bland plot. Individual concentrations of the SAA proteoforms across a cohort of 170 samples revealed 7 diverse SAA polymorphic types and 12 different proteoforms. Conclusion: The new SAA MSIA enables parallel analysis of SAA polymorphisms and quantification of all expressed SAA proteoforms, in a high-throughput and time-efficient manner.
Accumulation of human capital and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in ASEAN-3 countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia)

The event of globalization and the increasing inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) to developing countries create a potential for technology transfers and spillovers which suggest a potential for future growth of human capital, and output. There is a noticeable lack of empirical findings in the literature on the impact of FDI on the accumulation of human capital in developing countries. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between accumulation of human capital and FDI inflows for three ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) during period 1985 to 2005. We use a new human capital indicator and an econometric method which is based on a panel dynamic method [System generalized method of moments (GMM)], the empirical finding shows FDI inflows has a positive and statistically significant impact on accumulation of human capital in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Key words: Foreign direct investment (FDI), Human Capital, dynamic panel data.
Disability pensions in relation to traumatic brain injury: a population study

From a Danish national register of hospitalizations, all patients were identified who had a discharge diagnosis of traumatic brain injury between the years 1979-1993 inclusive, at ages 18-66 years inclusive. These were classified as having suffered either a concussion (n = 74398), a cranial fracture (n = 4452) or a cerebral contusion (n = 8141). Patients in each of these groups were then checked in annual registers of disability pension awards between 1979-1995. Disability pensions had been awarded to 16% of the concussion group, 18% of the fracture group, and 33% of the contusion group. Date of application, grounds for the application, and the pension level awarded were noted. Analysis of the date of application for the disability pension revealed that in all groups a high proportion of the pension applications had been made prior to the injury. Among the concussion group, the pension award appeared to be independent of the injury itself. Rather, being awarded a disability pension appeared to be related to conditions which themselves are risk factors for a traumatic brain injury, e.g. chronic skeletomuscular disease and psychiatric disorders including alcoholism. Comparison with population statistics revealed that the relative risk of being assigned a low or intermediate disability pension is markedly elevated among the concussion group, especially at younger ages and among males. For the fracture and contusion groups, a clear post-injury elevation in rate was detectable, especially for highest level pensions.
Developmental deformities of the lower extremities.

1. Developmental deformities of the lower extremities in children are most frequently the result, either directly or indirectly, of sleeping, sitting, and play habits of infancy. 2. Some of these deviations persist while others may disappear with normal development under favorable conditions of symmetrical activity. 3. It is not always possible to determine which of these malalignments will disappear and which will not. Since we are not safe in assuming that a! of them will disappear spontaneous! y, measures should be taken to correct objectionable twists and bowings already present, and to prevent the development of other deformities.
Innovation, Market Orientation, and Organizational Learning: An Integration and Empirical Examination

Research on market orientation and organizational learning addresses how organizations adapt to their environments and develop competitive advantage. A significant void exists in current models of market orientation because none of the frameworks incorporates constructs related to innovation. The authors present a conceptual framework for incorporating constructs that pertain to innovation in market orientation research. Some of the critical relationships in this conceptual framework are tested among a sample of 9648 employees from 56 organizations in a large agency of the U.S. federal government. The results indicate that higher levels of innovativeness in the firms’ culture are associated with a greater capacity for adaptation and innovation (number of innovations successfully implemented). In addition, higher levels of innovativeness are associated with cultures that emphasize learning, development, and participative decision making. The authors make recommendations for incorporating constructs related to innovation into research on market orientation and organizational learning.
Seasonal Variation in Acne Vulgaris—Myth or Reality

A traditional opinion proposed by Western dermatologists is that acne improves in summer and worsens in winter. We studied 452 patiens with acne vulgaris and asked them about seasonal variation in their acne. A total of 229 patients (50.67%) complained of a seasonal variation; a significant proportion (56.33%) noticed an aggravation in summer, while 16.16% improved in summer and only 11.35% worsened in winter. Apparently winters did not affect the severity of acne in a majority of patients (64.20%). Significantly, a majority (80.62%) of patients noticed a summer aggravation due to sweating and increased humidity. Thus our study is at variance with the existing literature, with summer aggravation being the predominant complaint. We would like to propose that the increased temperature, marked humidity, and sweating might explain the results seen in our region.
Do Business Cycles Influence Corporate Cash Holdings?

This paper examines the relationship between cash holdings and business cycles between 1976 and 2012, with a primary emphasis on how cash holdings vary during the business cycle and specifically during recessions. Using several different quarterly data sets, findings confirm that cash holdings do vary over the business cycle. Upon further examination, corporate cash holdings initially decline during recessions but increase to levels at or above pre-crisis levels. In addition, cash holdings appear to increase around the National Bureau of Economic Research’s announcements of recessions. Therefore, we do not find evidence of the precautionary motive for cash holdings during recessions but we do find evidence of an announcement effect for cash holdings.
Effect of Responsiveness and Process Integration in Supply Chain Coordination

It is being increasingly accepted that a primary source of competitive advantage of a firm is a responsive supply chain. Responsiveness of the supply chain or the ability to react to sudden or immediate changes in the marketplace depends on effective coordination of the activities of the chain members and seamless integration of the business processes of the firm. The purpose of this paper is to present an integrative framework relating to chain responsiveness, process integration, supply chain coordination and performance. An illustration from the garment manufacturing industry is presented to understand the role of responsiveness and process integration in supply chain coordination.
Myopathy and polyneuropathy in an adolescent with the kyphoscoliotic type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome

Myopathy and Polyneuropathy in an Adolescent With the Kyphoscoliotic Type of Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome N.C. Voermans,* C.G. B€onnemann, M. Lammens, B.G. van Engelen, and B.C.J. Hamel Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Centre Nijmegen, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands Division of Neurology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Department of Pathology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Review: Do probiotics improve symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome?

There is increasing evidence that inflammation or a disturbance of the flora within the gut might contribute to the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), at least in a proportion of cases. As a consequence it has been speculated that, as some probiotic bacteria have a range of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, the administration of such organisms might prove to be beneficial in this condition. It has to be acknowledged that the quality and design of trials of probiotics in IBS has been somewhat variable but the majority have shown benefit, although some bacteria appear to be more effective than others. More recent studies using Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 and Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173-010 have given particularly encouraging results. Issues for the future include determining which organisms are most effective, defining optimal doses, comparing methods of delivery and assessing the role of mixtures or the addition of prebiotics.