Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF GRANULOCYTE COLONY‐STIMULATING FACTOR IN ANGIOTENSIN II‐INDUCED CARDIAC REMODELLING

1 Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is reported to have a beneficial effect on cardiac dysfunction in postinfarction and doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of G‐CSF on cardiac remodelling in angiotensin (Ang) II‐induced hypertrophy. 2 Four groups of mice were investigated. The first group served as a control group. The second group was injected with recombinant human G‐CSF (10 µg/kg per day, s.c.) on the first 5 days of each week and treatment was continued for 4 weeks. An osmotic minipump was implanted subcutaneously into each mouse in the third group so that pressor doses of AngII (2.88 mg/kg per day) or saline could be administered over a period of 4 weeks. The fourth group was infused with AngII (2.88 mg/kg per day) and injected with G‐CSF (10 µg/kg per day, s.c.) for 4 weeks. 3 Angiotensin II treatment significantly elevated blood pressure and caused cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice. Treatment of mice with G‐CSF did not reduce the AngII‐induced increase in blood pressure, but ameliorated the development of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. Infusion of AngII induced upregulation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) expression and downregulation of ACE2 expression. Treatment with G‐CSF reduced cardiac levels of ACE and increased ACE2 expression. In addition, G‐CSF treatment reduced the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and phospho‐p70S6 kinase, which were upregulated by AngII infusion. 4 These results suggest that G‐CSF reduces AngII‐induced hypertrophy. Modulation of the expression of the ACE isoforms contributes to regression of AngII‐induced cardiac hypertrophy. The effect of G‐CSF to prevent cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy may be mediated, in part, via inhibition of OPN expression and p70S6 kinase phosphorylation.
Application Influence of The Competitive Advantage Strategy and Total Quality Management Towards Corporation Performances (Study in The Manufacturing Corporation Certificates of ISO 9000 in East Java)

This research is aimed at obtaining empirical evidence and perfect understanding about influence phenomenas of the competitive advantage strategy application and Total Quality Management towards manufacturing corporation performances obtaining certificates of ISO 9000 in East Java.Contribution of this research is expected to be able to provide ideas about the scientific development in the fields of Strategic Management, Cost Management and Operational Management. Especially for corporations and professionals, this research is expected to provide contribution to the setting of strategic plan, application of Total Quality Management and performance appreciation using Balanced Scorecard perspective.Census research method is applied in this research. While the research type is descriptive-verificative. To test the hypothesis used method of Structural Equation Modeling and Principle Component Analysis is applied. Results of the descriptive analysis show that application influence of the competitive advantage strategy and Total Quality Management, towards corporation performances is proved to be categorically high. Application on each perspective existing in the Balanced Scorecard is also proved to be categorically high.Results of the hypothesis test show that application influence of the competitive advantage strategy towards corporation performance is 34%, application influence of Total Quality Management towards corporation performance is 21%. Simultaneously application influence of the competitive advantage strategy and Total Quality Management towards corporation performance is 91 %. This research implies that application of competitive advantage strategy, and Total Quality Management are proved to provide positive and significant contribution towards manufacturing corporation performance. Keywords: Competitive Advantage Strategy, Total Quality Management, Balanced Scorecard, Certificate of ISO 9000, Stretegic Busines Unit
The Real Effects of Privatization: Evidence from China’s Split Share Structure Reform

We examine the real effect of privatization in terms of technological innovation. To establish causality, we explore plausibly exogenous variation in privatization generated by a quasi-natural experiment – China’s split share structure reform, which mandatorily converts non-tradable shares to be freely tradable and opens up the gate to the privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that the expectation of privatization has a positive, causal effect on firm innovation. We further show that better interest alignments between controlling and minority shareholders, enhanced stock price informativeness, and improved risk sharing are three plausible underlying mechanisms through which privatization prospects promote innovation. Our paper sheds new light on the real effect of privatization prospects and has important implications for policymakers who aim to promote innovation.
Expectiles for subordinated Gaussian processes with applications

In this paper, we introduce a new class of estimators of the Hurst exponent of the fractional Brownian motion (fBm) process. These estimators are based on sample expectiles of discrete variations of a sample path of the fBm process. In order to derive the statistical properties of the proposed estimators, we establish asymptotic results for sample expectiles of subordinated stationary Gaussian processes with unit variance and correlation function satisfying $\rho(i)\sim \kappa|i|^{-\alpha}$ ($\kappa\in \RR$) with $\alpha>0$. Via a simulation study, we demonstrate the relevance of the expectile-based estimation method and show that the suggested estimators are more robust to data rounding than their sample quantile-based counterparts.
Clinical phenotype classification for selective immunoglobulin A deficiency

Selective immunoglobulin A deficiency (SIgAD) is the most common predominantly antibody deficiency, with a wide range of presentations from asymptomatic to severe manifestations. Although many studies have investigated different aspects of SIgAD, no study has yet presented a comprehensive classification of this disease. Based on clinical manifestation of patients and various immune abnormalities associated with SIgAD, this group of patients could be classified into five different phenotypes including asymptomatic, minor infectious, allergic, autoimmune and severe phenotypes. This classification aids physicians in identifying patients and in choosing appropriate management and treatment as well as homogenized groups for molecular and genetic studies.
A comparison of moleskin tape, linen tape, and lace-up brace on joint restriction and movement performance.

OBJECTIVE There are several types of ankle prophylactics available. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of moleskin tape, linen tape, and a lace-up brace on motor performance and ankle/subtalar range of motion (ROM). DESIGN AND SETTING PERFORMANCE WAS MEASURED IN CENTIMETERS AND SECONDS FOR VERTICAL JUMP AND SOUTHEAST MISSOURI (SEMO) AGILITY TEST, RESPECTIVELY, UNDER FOUR CONDITIONS: control/no support, tape (T), tape with moleskin stirrup reinforcement (TwMSR), and a lace-up brace (B). Motor tests were conducted on two separate days. On another day ankle/ subtalar ROM was measured before, during, and after 20 minutes of continuous exercise under the four conditions. All tests were conducted in the field house at Northem Illinois University. SUBJECTS Ten college females with no recent history of ankle injury volunteered to participate in the study. MEASUREMENTS Vertical jump was measured using a Vertec jump stand (centimeters), and the Southeast Missouri (SEMO) agility test was measured with a stopwatch (seconds) under the four conditions. Ankle/subtalar ROM was measured before, during, and after a 20-minute exercise protocol by a goniometer under the four conditions. The tape (T) application was a closed basketweave, the tape with moleskin stirrup reinforcement (TwMSR) consisted of a closed basketweave and a moleskin stirrup (7.62 cm, 3 inches), and the brace(B) was a Swede-O Universal (Swede-O, Inc, North Branch, MN). RESULTS Vertical jumps were significantly shorter for all three ankle prophylactics when compared with the control/no-support condition. Among the three prophylactics, the vertical jumps were the same. Slower performance times were recorded for all three prophylactics as compared with the control/no-support condition. There were no significant differences, however, among the three ankle prophylactics. In comparison with the control/no-support condition, the TwMSR application significantly restricted four of the four ROMs (plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion) during the 20-minute exercise protocol. The T application significantly restricted three of the four ROMS (all ROMs except plantar flexion), and the B application also significantly restricted three of the four ROMs (all ROMs except eversion) during the 20-minute exercise protocol in comparison with the control/no- support condition. CONCLUSIONS There does not appear to be any benefit in choosing one prophylactic over the others if near optimal performance and adequate ankle/subtalar restriction is desired. Other factors, such as comfort, ease of application, and cost, should be considered.
Two essays on IPO underpricing

This thesis focuses on the cross-sectional difference in the extent of IPO underpricing in different places. The first essay examines how the difference in institutional environment constitutes differential IPO underpricing across countries. Using the Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) as a proxy for the cross-country heterogeneous institutional environment, and a large sample of 10,251 IPOs from 35 countries and regions over the period of 1993-2008, I find that countries with higher economic freedom have significantly less serious IPO underpricing problems. Moreover, among the ten economic freedom factors covered by the IEF, financial freedom related factors play a more important role in reducing the IPO underpricing problem. Finally, consistent with the market sentiment hypothesis, I find strong evidence that pre-IPO market sentiment influences the IPO first-day returns, and that the IPO underpricing problem is less severe when the market is bearish. The second essay examines how the difference in institutional environment across various provinces in China can explain IPO underpricing in the Chinese equity market. As the largest developing country in the world, the level of economic development and the institutional environments across China are extremely heterogeneous. In addition, China's IPO firms have quite complicated ownership
Small firms : partnerships for growth

Small Firms - F Chittenden, I Marshall and M Robertson Public Policy Issues in Partnerships for Growth Bank Lending to Unincorporated Firms in the UK, 1976-92 - M Godwin The Equity Gap in the East Midlands - G Boocock, M Woods and K Caley An Initial Assessment of the Operation of a New Venture Capital Fund Finance, New Technology and SMEs - S Austin et al A Comparative Study of the UK and France An Exploratory Analysis of the Factors Associated with the Survival of Independent High-Technology Firms in Great Britain - P Westhead, DJ Storey and M Cowling Employment Generation and Small Business Growth in Different Geographical Environments - D North and D Smallbone Longitudinal Study of Small Enterprises in the Service Sector - A Woods, R Blackburn and J Curran Quality Assurance and Business Support Organizations - H Winnifrith Chaos or Coherence? Small Firms and BS5750: A Preliminary Investigation - J North, J Curran and R Blackburn Multinational/Supplier Linkages in the Scottish Electronics Industry - I Turok Small Firm Autonomy within a Franchise - A Felstead A Case of Shifting Fortunes Supporting Inner-City Firms - J M Ford and M Ram Lessons from the Field Teamstart - Overcoming the Blockages to Small Business Growth - S Vyakarnam and R Jacobs From Entrepreneurship to Professional Management - A MacNabb An Examination of the Personal Factors that Stunt Growth Habitual Owners of Small Businesses - P J Hall
Gastroesophageal reflux in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices without endoscopic treatment.

BACKGROUND Portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis causes manifestations such as esophageal varices, ascites and edema. Some studies have been conducted about the role of esophageal varices in the development of esophageal motor disorders and abnormal gastroesophageal reflux in these patients. Ascites could be a factor promoting gastroesophageal reflux and it has been questioned whether reflux would favor the rupture of varices. However there are a few studies using ambulatory esophageal pH recording in the evaluation of these patients. AIMS Evaluate gastroesophageal reflux by pH recording in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices and possible predictors. METHODS Fifty one patients (28 men, 23 women, mean age of 54 years) with liver cirrhosis, diagnosed by clinical, laboratorial, image and histological findings were prospectively evaluated. All patients had esophageal varices confirmed by endoscopy and were submitted to a questionnaire about typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (heartburn and or acid regurgitation). pH recording was performed with the probe placed 5 cm above the superior lower esophageal sphincter limit, as determined by manometry. Abnormal reflux (% total time with pH < 4 >4.5%) was related to the size of varices, congestive gastropathy, ascites, severity of cirrhosis and typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. RESULTS The caliber of the varices was considered to be small in 30 patients (59%), medium in 17 (33%) and large in 4 (8%), 21 (41%) congestive gastropathy. Ascites was observed in 17 (33%), 32 patients (63%) were classified as Child-Pugh A, 17 (33%) Child-Pugh B and 2 (4%) Child-Pugh C. Twenty seven patients (53%) presented with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Abnormal reflux at pH recording was found in 19 patients (37%). One of them presented with erosive esophagitis at endoscopy. There was no relation between ascites, variceal size, congestive gastropathy and Child-Pugh score and abnormal reflux. There was a correlation between typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and abnormal reflux. CONCLUSION Abnormal gastroesophageal reflux was found in 37% of the patients with hepatic cirrhosis and esophageal varices. Only typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms predicted these findings.
Psychiatric Comorbidity Is Related to Headache Induced By Chronic Substance Use in Migraineurs

Headache centers have to deal with patients suffering from headache induced by chronic substance use which is a well‐recognized complication of migraine treatment. The objective of this study was to compare psychiatric comorbidity between migraineurs with and without chronic substance use: 34 migrainous inpatients with chronic substance use were compared with 34 sex‐matched noncomplicated migraineurs in a case‐control study. The results showed a significantly higher prevalence of major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia in the patients with a history of chronic substance use. Consistently, anxious and depressive dimensions were significantly higher in these patients. Therefore, psychiatric morbidity may be linked to chronic substance use in migraineurs. This stresses the importance of psychiatric assessment and the need for appropriate treatment in such patients.
An Improved Vivaldi Antenna for Vehicular Wireless Communication Systems

In order to improve the directivity of the antenna used in vehicular IEEE 802.11a (4900 ~ 5935 MHz) wireless local area networks (WLAN), and make the antenna be more likely installed in the same shark-fin-like radome that can be applied in various antennas of different vehicular wireless communication systems, an improved Vivaldi antenna with planar directors in front of the aperture of the tapered slot and transverse slots is proposed and fabricated. These measured and simulated results show that the improved Vivaldi antenna increases by 1.5 dB of gain compared to that of the normal one on average in IEEE 802.11a (5150 ~ 5935 MHz) WLAN. It also has high directivity in IEEE 802.11b (2400 ~ 2483 MHz) WLAN, IEEE 802.11y (3560 ~ 3700 MHz) WLAN, or other wireless communication systems (2400-4900 MHz). Moreover, the improved Vivaldi antenna can enhance the ability to resist the polarization distortion caused by the car roof, which acts as a big ground plane compared to the conventional one.
Discrepant Patterns of Heavy Drinking, Marijuana Use, and Smoking and Intimate Partner Violence

This study analyzed whether discrepant (husband or wife use only) or concordant (both partners use) patterns of heavy drinking, marijuana use, and smoking are associated with increased risk for male-to-female partner violence and female-to-male partner violence among adult couples. Based on a geographic sample of married or cohabiting couples residing in 50 California cities, logistic regression analyses were conducted using dyadic data on past-year partner violence, binge drinking and frequency of intoxication, marijuana use, and smoking. When all substance use patterns were included simultaneously, wife-only heavy drinking couples were at elevated risk for male-to-female partner violence, as were concordant marijuana-using couples. Husband-only marijuana discrepant couples were at increased risk for female-to-male partner violence. Further research is needed to explore the processes by which discrepant and concordant substance use patterns may contribute to partner aggression.
An analysis of underpricing and aftermarket performance of initial public offerings on the Alternative Exchange (AltX)

This paper reviews the international evidence of underpricing of Initial Public Offerings and analyses IPO underpricing by companies listing on the South African Alternative Exchange (AltX). Underpricing is indicated by measuring the percentage difference between the initial offer price and the closing market price on the first day of trading. Underpricing is costly to the pre-issue shareholders. However, studies have reported significant long run underperformance of investing in IPO listings. The objective of this study is to test whether new listings on the AltX are subject to underpricing and measure the level of such underpricing as well to measure the aftermarket performance of investing in new listings on the AltX. During the period October 2003 to September 2007, 42 firms listed on the AltX. The findings of this study indicate that underpricing was evident on the AltX during the period under review with the average first-day return recorded at 29%. The level of underpricing compares with other South African studies which indicated an average underpricing of between 27% and 32.7% for companies listing on the JSE Securities Exchange. The results of this study are consistent with the level of underpricing indicated in prior studies. However, the level of underpricing indicated by a prior study of the Development Capital Market (DCM) was significantly higher than the underpricing indicated by this study for new listings on the AltX. This may be due to the focus on high quality listings by the AltX, increased listing and corporate governance requirements as compared to the DCM as well as due to the continuing role of the Designated Advisor to companies listing on the AltX. Levels of underpricing have not increased on the AltX in the last six months of the study and there is no evidence to indicate that the level of underpricing is related to firm size, the level of proceeds or the age of the firm. Limited analysis of aftermarket performance of the new listings on the AltX indicates that investors would have earned a non-risk adjusted cumulative return of 44% higher than the market benchmark (ALSI), based on the opening issue price. If the first day return is excluded then investors would have earned a non-risk adjusted cumulative return of only 6% higher than the market benchmark. The performance of AltX companies, excluding the first-day return, has been similar to the Small Cap Index of the JSE. The study did not find that high initial returns for AltX companies were followed by long-run under-performance, yet the very low incremental return relative to the ALSI market index, once the first-day return is omitted is surprising relative to the higher risks involved of investing in the small listed entities of the AltX.
Co-design of ultra-low power RF/Microwave receivers and converters for RFID and energy harvesting applications

The paper addresses a new approach to the integrated design of RF/Microwave receivers for power harvesting and conversion systems for ultra-low power densities. Such systems can be very useful in typical humanized environments in the presence of existing wireless systems with power densities as low as a few µW/cm2. Despite of the scarce RF power available, energy usable to extend battery life or to self-power low-duty cycle electronics may be scavenged by highly efficient receivers and power converter circuits designed in a unique design process. A multi-band antenna is used as the RF power receiver. Its rigorous frequency-dependent equivalent circuit in the presence of an incident field is used in the joint design of a rectifier stage and of a boost converter that can dynamically track the maximum power point. This is obtained by a new simulation platform combining SPICE-like time-domain models of dispersive multiport components with the transient analysis of the storage and control sub-systems.
Field Studies Demonstrate Bivoltinism in the Mountain Pine Beetle

We appreciate Bentz and Powell’s (2014; hereafter interchangeable with “the authors”) interest in our article (Mitton and Ferrenberg 2012). We are pleased the authors have confirmed the summer generation of mountain pine beetles (MPBs; Dendroctonus ponderosae), which we reported is now a widespread phenomenon arising in response to greater than average annual temperatures. A recent article by Bentz et al. (2014) also reported a switch from one to two generations of MPBs in roughly one year at a California site, indicating that bivoltinism, or two MPB generations in a year, was not isolated to our Colorado sites. While Bentz et al. (2014) documented two generations within 13 months and state that technically the two generations must occur within 12 months to meet the definition of bivoltine, this switch to multiple generations of MPBs within the same time span historically necessary for one generation has large demographic implications. This decrease in generation times is possible because, as reported by Bentz et al. (2014), “substantial genetic variation in development time is known to exist among MPB (Dendroctonus ponderosae) populations across the western United States” (p. 434). Despite their confirmation of summer generations of MPBs and the additional verification that a summer generation can produce offspring that emerge and mate during the same season, Bentz and Powell argue against our report of bivoltinism. The authors’ arguments fall into
Understanding noncompliance with selective donor deferral criteria for high‐risk behaviors in Australian blood donors

Using a predonation screening questionnaire, potential blood donors are screened for medical or behavioral factors associated with an increased risk for transfusion‐transmissible infection. After disclosure of these risks, potential donors are deferred from donating. Understanding the degree of failure to disclose full and truthful information (termed noncompliance) is important to determine and minimize residual risk. This study estimates the prevalence of, and likely reasons for, noncompliance among Australian donors with the deferrals for injecting drug use, sex with an injecting drug user, male‐to‐male sex, sex worker activity or contact, and sex with a partner from a high‐HIV‐prevalence country.