Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Full-Length, Glycosylated NSP4 Is Localized to Plasma Membrane Caveolae by a Novel Raft Isolation Technique

ABSTRACT Rotavirus NSP4, initially characterized as an endoplasmic reticulum intracellular receptor, is a multifunctional viral enterotoxin that induces diarrhea in murine pups. There have been recent reports of the secretion of a cleaved NSP4 fragment (residues 112 to 175) and of the association of NSP4 with LC3-positive autophagosomes, raft membranes, and microtubules. To determine if NSP4 traffics to a specific subset of rafts at the plasma membrane, we isolated caveolae from plasma membrane-enriched material that yielded caveola membranes free of endoplasmic reticulum and nonraft plasma membrane markers. Analyses of the newly isolated caveolae from rotavirus-infected MDCK cells revealed full-length, high-mannose glycosylated NSP4. The lack of Golgi network-specific processing of the caveolar NSP4 glycans supports studies showing that NSP4 bypasses the Golgi apparatus. Confocal imaging showed the colocalization of NSP4 with caveolin-1 early and late in infection, elucidating the temporal and spatial NSP4-caveolin-1 association during infection. These data were extended with fluorescent resonance energy transfer analyses that confirmed the NSP4 and caveolin-1 interaction in that the specific fluorescently tagged antibodies were within 10 nm of each other during infection. Cells transfected with NSP4 showed patterns of staining and colocalization with caveolin-1 similar to those of infected cells. This study presents an endoplasmic reticulum contaminant-free caveola isolation protocol; describes the presence of full-length, endoglycosidase H-sensitive NSP4 in plasma membrane caveolae; provides confirmation of the NSP4-caveolin interaction in the presence and absence of other viral proteins; and provides a final plasma membrane destination for Golgi network-bypassing NSP4 transport.
Collaboration is the new competition; strategic alliances in the industry in which Sweco participates

Due to several shifts in the construction industry, organisations start to collaborate. An example of this inter-organisational collaboration is a strategic alliance. Such an alliance can be defined as a close, long-term, mutually beneficial agreement between two or more partners in which resources, knowledge, and capabilities are shared with the objective of enhancing the competitive position of each partner (Spekman, Forbes, Isabella and MacAvoy, 1998). 50 to 60% of those alliances fails and one aspect for success is the organisation (De Man, 2006; Kalmback and Roussel, 1999). However, not much research has been performed to the organisation (Albers, Wohlgezoen and Zajac, 2013). This thesis focusses on the organisation of strategic alliances in which the Dutch engineering agency Sweco participates. Based on the grounded theory approach, the phenomenon strategic alliances has been explored. The combination of a literature review and an empirical research in which the cases Robuust Watersysteem, Ballast Nedam, Strukton and Dekker are analysed, has resulted in a first understanding of strategic alliances. The main conclusion is that strategic alliances in which Sweco participates are based on coincidence and do not have a very clear organisational structure. Hypotheses are that instead of strategic alliances, the collaborations are more tactical alliances. Second one is that there is a relation between the number of participants and the organisational structure. Final hypothesis is that due to the project-based orientation of the construction industry, strategic alliances in this industry are less likely to succeed compared to alliances in a less project-based orientation
The Influence of Supply Chain Quality Management Practices on Quality Performance: An empirical investigation

Purpose The extant literature highlights the notable lack of a consensus among operations and supply chain management scholars regarding the theoretical underpinnings and associated empirical evidence for the performance impact of supply chain quality management (SCQM) practices on quality. The aim of this study is to redress this imbalance in the literature through empirical examination of the relationship between SCQM practices and quality performance outcomes. Design/methodology/approach In accordance with the research aim, a quantitative approach was adopted, and a multi-item scale web-based survey was designed to collect primary data. A total number of 325 questionnaires were collected from a sample of UK-based manufacturing companies. Factor analysis, internal consistency and multivariate regressions were employed to validate the multi-item scale and test the hypotheses. Findings The findings confirm the proposed hypotheses and reveal statistically significant results for the performance impact of S.
Differentiation of sex as determined by ovulation timing.

A method for determining the time of ovulation in humans for the purpose of aritificial insemination and for predicting sex by the Kleegman theory is presented. 85 women were inseminated and all successfully conceived and delivered with 1 insemination. 66 women were inseminated on the final day of thin cervical mucorrhea 12 were inseminated in the early mucorrhea phase and 7 were inseminated 1 day after the end of the thin mucorrhea phase. Cervical mucorrhea and spinnbarkeit were important indicators in determining the time of ovulation. The predicted sex and actual sex of the infants correlated in 40 patients. It was concluded that the prediction of ovulation in the 85 cases was precise though the Kleegman theory of sex determination was not supported.
PENGARUH KINERJA PERUSAHAAN, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, DAN SHAREHOLDER PAYOUT TERHADAP KOMPENSASI EKSEKUTIF Studi Kasus Pada Perusahaan Non Financial yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Tahun 2007-2010

The purpose of this study is to know the effect of firm performance, corporate governance, and shareholder payout on executive compensation by using firm size as control variable. Firm performance measured by Return On Asset (ROA), Net Profit Margin (NPM), and Earning Per Share (EPS). Corporate governance measured by institutional shareholding. And shareholder payout measured by dividend yield. The research model in this study used panel data analysis. The samples are 121 non financial firms listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period 2007-2010 which is taken by purposive sampling method. Based on the correlation, the empirical result shows that firm performance measured by ROA, NPM, and EPS have positive effect and significantly to executive compensation. Afterwhile, institutional shareholding and dividend yield have no positive effect significantly to executive compensation. Besides that, the results indicate that company size is the major determinant of compensation Key words: ROA, NPM, EPS, Institutional Shareholding, Dividend Yield, Cash Compensation, Firm Size, Non Financial Firm
Glucocorticoids down‐regulate dendritic cell function in vitro and in vivo

Exogenous glucocorticoid hormones are widely used as therapeutical agents, whereas endogenous glucocorticoids may act as physiological immunosuppressants involved in the control of immune and inflammatory responses. The optimal activation of T lymphocytes requires two distinct signals: the major histocompatibility complex‐restricted presentation of the antigen and an additional co‐stimulatory signal provided by the antigen‐presenting cells. There is ample evidence that, among the cells able to present the antigen, the dendritic cells (DC) have the unique property to activate antigen‐specific, naive T cells in vitro and in vivo, and are therefore required for the induction of primary immune responses. In this work, we tested whether glucocorticoids affected the capacity of DC to sensitize naive T cells. Our data show that, in vitro, the steroid hormone analog dexamethasone (Dex) affects the viability of DC, selectively downregulates the expression of co‐stimulatory molecules on viable DC, and strongly reduces their immunostimulatory properties. In vivo, a single injection of Dex results in impaired antigen presenting function, a finding which correlates with reduced numbers of splenic DC. These results show that glucocorticoids regulate DC maturation and immune function in vitro and in vivo and suggest that this mechanism may play a role in preventing overstimulation of the immune system.
In vitro and in vivo optimization of impaction allografting by demineralization and addition of rh‐OP‐1

Impaction allografting is a bone tissue engineering technique currently used in lower limb reconstruction orthopedic surgery. Our hypothesis was that biological optimization can be achieved by demineralization and addition of osteogenic protein‐1 (OP‐1) to the allograft. The objective of our in vitro study was to evaluate human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation (Alamar Blue assay, titrated thymidine assay, total DNA Hoechst 33258, and scanning electron microscopy) and osteogenic differentiation (alkaline phosphatase assay) in two types of impacted carrier, namely, demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and insoluble collagenous bone matrix (ICBM), with or without OP‐1. The objective in vivo was to compare the osteogenic potential of impacted DBM with or without OP‐1, with that of impacted fresh frozen allograft (FFA), again with or without OP‐1. DBM + OP‐1 optimized osteoinduction and significantly improved (p < 0.05) proliferation and differentiation in comparison to the majority of all other graft preparation in vitro. In addition, DBM + OP‐1 was significantly superior, with regard to osteogenesis, compared to the impacted FFA alone (p < 0.001), FFA + OP‐1 (p = 0.01) and DBM alone (p = 0.02) in vivo. We propose that partial demineralization and addition of OP‐1 provides a good method for improving the osteoinductive properties of fresh allograft currently used in the impaction grafting technique. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:1425–1437, 2007
Evolution of Erythromycin Resistance among Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates in Malaysia from 2005 and 2010

Objectives: This study focuses on the antibiotic susceptibility pattern and distribution of the ermB and mefA virulence genes among the Streptococcus pneumoniae due to an increase in erythromycin resistance in S. pneumoniae worldwide. Methodology: We investigated 255 clinical isolates collected from 2005-2010 to determine the serotype distribution and resistance to erythromycin in comparison to penicillin, clindamycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole. Multiplex PCR was carried out to detect erythromycin resistance genes (ermB and mefA). Results: There were 146 (57.3%) isolates resistant to erythromycin. MIC90 for erythromycin is at >256 mg/L and MIC50 is at 16 mg/L. The ermB gene was detected in 25.3% of the erythromycin-resistant isolates and mefA gene was detected in 50.7% of the isolates. The four most common serotypes encountered are 19F, 19A, 23F and 14. The serotype distribution among the erythromycin resistant isolates was 19F (42.0%) followed by serotype 19A (11.3%), serotype 23F (9.2%) and serogroup 14 (7.0%). Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a significant rise in erythromycin resistance among the Malaysian pneumococcal isolates. The emergence of serotype 19A together with increasing prevalence of resistance to macrolide warrants for a more extensive surveillance study.
The critical success factors for the acquisition and implementation of ERP systems

The main objective of this paper is to identify the success factors that are critical to the acquisition and implementation processes of ERP systems. In this paper, these critical success factors are determined using a two-tier approach. In the first approach, these factors are identified thoroughly scanning the literature. Based on the literature support, a final survey instrument was developed. This was then mailed to Australian companies that had already implemented an ERP system or were in the process of implementing one of them. To enable the IS executives to indicate their degree of agreement with each item, a 7-point Likert rating scale was used. Data from 53 respondents were analysed and interpreted by using various statistical techniques. This paper empirically investigates critical factors that contribute to the success of acquisition and implementation of ERP processes. The major findings from the analysis are that planning, accurate information, selection criteria, structured process, vendor relationship, top management support, communication, team work, user involvement and consultants’ involvement are critical for the acquisition of ERP systems. Project management, business process reengineering, user training, change management, top management support, effective communication, team work, users’ involvement, consultants’ involvement and clear goals are found to be important for the ERP implementation process. The intensity of the impact of the critical success factors such as planning, accurate information, top management support and consultants’ involvement is greater than that of the remaining factors.
The influence of the season and milking time on the properties and the fatty acid composition of the milk in different dairy cattle farms

The fatty acid content and physicochemical composition of the milk obtained from 3 cattle farms at summer and winter season for different milking time were studied. Physicochemical properties varied due to different feeding strategies used in the observed farms. The lowest values of total fat and protein were observed in winter time with the highest fat content of morning milking. The groups of fatty acids (FAs), namely saturated (SAFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) were examined together with the individual acids with short and long chains. The major fatty acids of milk samples were myristic, palmitic, stearic and oleic acids. In the summer season the content of unsaturated fatty acid was quantitatively higher than the saturated fatty acid. It can be concluded that the fatty acid composition and quality of milk was significantly depended on breeding, feeding strategies, milking and cattle management practices.
Revenue Management in Crowdfunding

Problem definition: We study the optimal design of crowdfunding campaigns and develop a model that maximizes revenue for a given crowdfunding campaign by optimizing both the pledge level sought from donors and the duration of the campaign. Academic/practical relevance: Our model explains the patterns of backer/donor arrival and pledging observed on crowdfunding platforms, such as Kickstarter. This model can be used to calibrate the revenue impact from using prespecified pledge levels or campaign durations. Methodology: We develop a theoretical model of the dynamics of the pledging process within the campaign duration, which employs a continuous-time, finite-horizon framework with two types of backer populations. Our model follows a diffusion-based approach and incorporates the structure of empirical observations. Results: We show that when campaign creators must follow an external standard for either the pledge level or the campaign duration, they should match low pledge levels with long campaign durations and high pledge levels with short campaign durations. We show that the optimal duration of a campaign, when not fixed by external constraints, depends on the composition of the backer population. Shorter campaigns are attuned to independent backers, and longer campaigns cater to herding backers. Managerial implications: Our analysis provides creators of crowdfunding campaigns with straightforward prescriptions for how to set the optimal pledge level and campaign duration. Platform managers could use the analysis to calibrate the arrival process of backers and creators’ campaign parameters.
Energy expenditure during bicycling.

This study was designed to measure the O2 uptake (VO2) of cyclists while they rode outdoors at speeds from 32 to 40 km/h. Regression analyses of data from 92 trials using the same wheels, tires, and tire pressure with the cyclists riding in their preferred gear and in an aerodynamic position indicated the best equation (r = 0.84) to estimate VO2 in liters per minute VO2 = -4.50 + 0.17 rider speed + 0.052 wind speed + 0.022 rider weight where rider and wind speed are expressed in kilometers per hour and rider weight in kilograms. Following another rider closely, i.e., drafting, at 32 km/h reduced VO2 by 18 +/- 11%; the benefit of drafting a single rider at 37 and 40 km/h was greater (27 +/- 8%) than that at 32 km/h. Drafting one, two, or four riders in a line at 40 km/h resulted in the same reduction in VO2 (27 +/- 7%). Riding at 40 km/h at the back of a group of eight riders reduced VO2 by significantly more (39 +/- 6%) than drafting one, two, or four riders in a line; drafting a vehicle at 40 km/h resulted in the greatest decrease in VO2 (62 +/- 6%). VO2 was also 7 +/- 4% lower when the cyclists were riding an aerodynamic bicycle. An aerodynamic set of wheels with a reduced number of spokes and one set of disk wheels were the only wheels to reduce VO2 significantly while the cyclists were riding a conventional racing bicycle at 40 km/h. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Student reading lists: evaluating the student experience at the University of Huddersfield

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the bespoke resource list management system (MyReading) at the University of Huddersfield. ,An online survey was designed to assess student use of MyReading and their views on potential improvements. The survey used closed questions designed to obtain quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data obtained from open questions. ,The paper supports findings of another recent study which found that reading lists are perceived as more important by students than by lecturers. A variety of positive and negative themes emerged which pointed to this conclusion. Positive themes were: the perceived helpfulness of reading lists, students’ view of MyReading as a starting point for independent further reading, ease of use of MyReading and the time saving afforded to students and the value students place on their reading lists as being “quality assured” by lecturers. Negative themes were: inconsistency in the length and structure of lists; concerns that some lists are not regularly updated; lack of awareness of functionality, revealing training needs for students and lecturers; and suggestions for future enhancements to MyReading. Another finding from the quantitative data is the clear link between low use of reading lists by students in certain schools and low use of other library resources. ,The research provides guidance to universities regarding future development of resource list management systems and promotional and training needs. ,The study adds rich information to the existing body of qualitative research on students’ perceptions of their reading lists.
THE EFFECT OF CONTROLLING SHAREHOLDERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ON AUDIT QUALITY

This research aims to investigate the effect of controlling shareholders and the effectiveness of board of commissioners and audit committee on the audit quality measured by AQMS (Audit Quality Metric Score). This study uses companies listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange as the sample. The results of this research provide evidence that alignment and entrenchment effect of the controlling shareholders have positive effect on audit quality. The alignment of interests between the controlling and non-controlling shareholders cause the company to appoint a high-quality auditor. The results also show that when companies face high entrenchment effect of the controlling shareholders, they still appoint a high-quality auditor to reduce the agency conflict and to maintain the company’s reputation. This research also shows that the effectiveness of board of commissioners and audit committee positively affect the audit quality. --- Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh pemegang saham pengendali serta efektivitas dewan komisaris dan komite audit terhadap kualitas audit yang diukur dengan AQMS (Audit Quality Metric Score). Penelitian ini menggunakan perusahaan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia sebagai sampel. Hasil penelitian ini memberikan bukti bahwa efek alignment dan entrenchment dari pemegang saham pengendali berpengaruh positif terhadap kualitas audit. Penyelarasan kepentingan antara pemegang saham pengendali dan pemegang saham non-pengendali menyebabkan perusahaan menunjuk auditor yang berkualitas tinggi. Hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan bahwa ketika perusahaan menghadapi efek entrenchment yang tinggi dari pemegang saham pengendali, perusahaan tetap menunjuk auditor yang berkualitas tinggi untuk mengurangi konflik agensi dan untuk mempertahankan reputasi perusahaan. Penelitian ini juga menunjukkan bahwa efektivitas dewan komisaris dan komite audit berpengaruh positif terhadap kualitas audit.
COMPARISON BETWEEN BUS RAPID TRANSIT AND LIGHT-RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEMS: A MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS APPROACH

The construction choice between two different transport systems in urban areas, as in the case of Light-Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) solutions, is often performed on the basis of cost-benefit analysis and geometrical constraints due to the available space for the infrastructure. Classical economic analysis techniques are often unable to take into account some of the non-monetary parameters which have a huge impact on the final result of the choice, since they often include social acceptance and sustainability aspects. The application of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques can aid decision makers in the selection process, with the possibility to compare non-homogeneous criteria, both qualitative and quantitative, and allowing the generation of an objective ranking of the different alternatives. The coupling of MCDA and Geographic Information System (GIS) environments also permits an easier and faster analysis of spatial parameters, and a clearer representation of indicator comparisons. Based on these assumptions, a LRT and BRT system will be analysed according to their own transportation, economic, social and environmental impacts as a hypothetical exercise; moreover, through the use of MCDA techniques a global score for both systems will be determined, in order to allow for a fully comprehensive comparison.
Estimating the covariance matrix by signal subspace averaging

An efficient algorithm is presented for estimating a covariance matrix consisting of a low-rank signal term and a full-rank noise term, known apart from a scalar factor. For each sample of the vector of sensor outputs, the algorithm approximates, in the least-squares sense, a rank-one update of the covariance matrix, under the side condition that the rank of the signal term remains bounded. If the model noise is spatially colored, the least-squares approximation is preceded by spatial prewhitening, It is shown that if the rank of the signal term is small compared to the number of sensors, then the proposed algorithm requires substantially less computational work than conventional averaging. Some simulation results are included, indicating that the proposed algorithm reduces the variance of some commonly used spectral estimators in off-target directions, without impairing their detection and resolution properties.