Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytokine‐stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in astroglia: Role of Erk mitogen‐activated protein kinase and NF‐κB

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which leads to the production of nitric oxide (NO), is stimulated by proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Here we report on the roles of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases in IL‐1β/TNF‐α–induced iNOS expression in adult rat astroglia. Cytokine‐induced increases in nitrite accumulation (an index of NO production) and iNOS expression were attenuated by inhibition of NF‐κB with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). Similar attenuation of these cytokine‐induced responses was produced by inhibition of MAP kinase (MEK), the immediate upstream activator of Erk, using PD098,059. Combined treatment of astroglia with PDTC and PD098,059 completely abolished the cytokine‐induced increases in iNOS expression and nitrite accumulation. By contrast, the selective p38 kinase inhibitor SB203,580 amplified the effects of IL‐1β/TNF‐α on nitrite accumulation. In accordance with these findings, IL‐1β– and TNF‐α–induced a time‐dependent increase in Erk1/Erk2 activation. This cytokine action was completely abolished by PD098,059 but was not altered by PDTC. Finally, IL‐1β and TNF‐α induced degradation of NF‐κB's bound inhibitory protein, IκB‐α, leading to translocation of NF‐κB into the nucleus. IκB‐α expression was not restored to control levels by inhibition of MEK. Furthermore, inhibition of MEK with PD098,059 did not alter IL‐1β– and TNF‐α–induced expression of active NF‐κB. The results demonstrate that autonomous Erk and NF‐κB pathways mediate cytokine‐induced increases in iNOS expression in astroglia. GLIA 41:152–160, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Common genetic markers and prediction of recurrent events after ischemic stroke in young adults

Background: Scarce information is available on the usefulness of new prediction markers for identifying young ischemic stroke patients at highest risk of recurrence. Methods: The predictive effect of traditional risk factors as well as of the 20210A variant of prothrombin gene, the 1691A variant of factor V gene, and the TT677 genotype of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene on the risk of recurrence was investigated in a hospital-based cohort study of 511 ischemic stroke patients younger than 45 years followed up for a mean of 43.4 months. Outcome measures were fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or TIA. Risk prediction was assessed with the use of the concordance c (c index), and the Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI). Results: The risk of recurrence increased with increasing number of traditional factors (hazard ratio [HR] 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.57–3.35 for subjects with 1 factor: HR 5.25, 95% CI 2.45–11.2 for subjects with 2), as well as with that of predisposing genotypes (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.33–2.89 for subjects carrying 1 at-risk genotype; HR 3.83, 95% CI 1.76–8.34 for those carrying 2). The c statistics increased significantly when the genotypes were included into a model with traditional risk factors (0.696 vs 0.635, test z = 2.41). The NRI was also significant (NRI = 0.172, test z = 2.17). Conclusions: Addition of common genetic variants to traditional risk factors may be an effective method for discriminating young stroke patients at different risk of future ischemic events.
Closure and divestiture by foreign entrants: the impact of entry and post‐entry strategies

We analyze the longevity of foreign entrants explicitly considering two possible ways of exit: firm closure and capital divestiture. We find that entry and post-entry strategies affect the longevity of firms and of foreign equity holdings, but in different manners. While the ownership arrangements and organizational structure affect the likelihood of divestment, they exert no significant effect upon closure. The entry mode exerts opposite effects on the two modes of exit, greenfield entrants being more likely to shutdown, but less likely to be divested. Only human capital affects closure and divestment in the same manner. Firms with large endowments of human capital are less likely to exit, irrespective of the exit mode considered.
A Study on Mergers & Acquisitions in Oil & Gas Sector in India and Their Impact on the Operating Performance and Shareholders’ Wealth

The objective of this paper is to study, why organizations take the inorganic mode of expansion. However, the main focus is on studying the operating performance and shareholder value of acquiring companies and comparing their performance before and after the merger. To conduct a uniform research and arrive at an accurate conclusion, we restrict our research to only Indian companies. To get a perspective on India, we study oil and gas sector.We will test feasibility that mergers improve operating performance of acquiring companies. However on studying the cases, we conclude that as in previous studies, mergers do not improve financial performance at least in the immediate short term.
Postexposure prophylaxis with zidovudine suppresses human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in SCID-hu mice in a time-dependent manner.

Occupational exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has led to a low but finite incidence of infection among health care providers. In such circumstances, postexposure administration of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (zidovudine; AZT) might be beneficial. To test this possibility, the SCID-hu mouse (the immunodeficient C.B-17 scid/scid mouse engrafted with human hematolymphoid organs) was treated with AZT at different times after intravenous infection with a standard dose of HIV (known to infect 100% of animals). If given within 2 h, AZT suppressed infection in all animals; if given after 2 days, no suppression was observed. At least in some animals, an AZT-sensitive phase lasted for as long as 36 h. These data support the hypothesis that prompt administration of AZT might be efficacious in suppressing acute HIV infection in humans. Further studies in the SCID-hu mouse might provide insight into treatment protocols of even greater efficacy.
Human Resource Practices in the Informal Sector in Cape Coast, Ghana

The human resource is of all resources the most productive, the most versatile, and the most resourceful. Thus an enterprise’s wealth does not depend on the financial and material resources available but rather on the people who make things work. It is therefore important for owners and managers of firms to understand how best to manage this most resourceful – human resource – of the firm. This study examined the human resource practices in the informal sector in Ghana, using the situation in the Cape Coast Metropolis as a case study. The main objective of the study was to find out how the human resources within the informal economy were being managed. Six major informal sector operators were randomly selected. A combination of cluster sampling and quota sampling techniques were applied to generate the sample for the study. The total sample for the study was one hundred and seventy. The results of the study show that human resource management practices within the informal sector enterprises are inadequate and therefore impede the development of the workforce which invariably affects the growth of the enterprises. The findings suggest that assistance programmes that encourage the efficient and effective human resource management practices in the informal sector should be provided. The main limitation of the study is that it could not cover all informal sector enterprises within the Metropolis due to time and financial constraints. In this respect, the interpretation of the results of the study should not be over-generalised.
Noncontact goniometry with optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE To assess the value of noncontact goniometry with optical coherence tomography (OCT) compared with current clinical parameters in the evaluation of the anterior chamber angle (ACA). DESIGN Prospective observational study of 138 eyes of 109 patients. METHODS The ACA parameters and angle-opening distance (AOD) were measured with slitlamp-adapted OCT goniometry. The iris and scleral thickness and the iris convexity were assessed with OCT. Both ACA and AOD were compared with the clinical parameters of gonioscopy grade, limbal anterior chamber depth (ACD), ultrasonographic central ACD, and lens-axial length (LAL) ratio. RESULTS Noncontact goniometry with OCT revealed mean +/- SD values of 28 degrees +/- 16 degrees for the ACA and 381 +/- 234 mum for the AOD. The mean +/- SD iris thickness was 369 +/- 84 mum, and the scleral thickness at the scleral spur was 943 +/- 148 mum. There was a significant correlation (P<.001) with the clinical parameters of gonioscopic grading, limbal ACD, ultrasonographic central ACD, and LAL ratio. The sensitivity and specificity of OCT goniometry to detect an occludable angle were 86% and 95% for ACA and 85% and 90% for AOD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Noncontact goniometry with OCT was helpful in evaluating the anterior chamber structures and as a screening modality. Goniometry with OCT could improve the noninvasive clinical assessment and treatment of patients with glaucoma.
Orthogonal approaches to time-series analysis and system identification

Some recent, efficient approaches to nonlinear system identification, ARMA modeling, and time-series analysis are described and illustrated. Sufficient detail and references are furnished to enable ready implementation, and examples are provided to demonstrate superiority over established classical techniques. The ARMA identification algorithm presented does not require a priori knowledge of, or assumptions about, the order of the system to be identified or signal to be modeled. A suboptimal, recursive, pairwise search of the orthogonal candidate data records is conducted, until a given least-squares criterion is satisfied. In the case of nonlinear systems modeling, discrete-time Volterra series is stressed, or rather a more efficient parallel-cascade approach. The model is constructed by adding parallel paths (each consisting of the cascade of dynamic linear and static nonlinear systems). In the case of time-series analysis, a non-Fourier sinusoidal series approach is stressed. The relevant frequencies are estimated by an orthogonal search procedure. A search of the candidate sinusoids is conducted until a given mean-square criterion is satisfied. <<ETX>>
An analysis of financial health and the provision of financial management services in South Africa's previously disadvantaged SME community : implications for sustainability and creditworthiness

The following research builds on previous literature concerning the financial health and financial practices of South Africa's previously disadvantaged SMEs; it seeks in particular to better understand the impact which external financial management provision has on financial health. Two research methodologies have been employed in separate sections of the analysis. A quantitative component utilizes several data sets to measure the level of financial distress among previously disadvantaged SMEs in South Africa. A series of financial distress metrics are then used to measure the effects of external financial service provision, creating a layered evaluation of the impacts of external financial procedures. Overall, the findings suggest that external financial management services are not associated with a decreased rate of financial distress, and that they have a mixed impact on a firm's eligibility for finance. These trends are somewhat surprising. Past research has proven that the implementation of sound financial management procedures has a positive impact on financial health. It would be a logical inference to expect businesses that employ external financial service providers to be better off than those that do not employ external expertise. A subsequent qualitative component is based on 8 semi-structured interviews with financial service providers (accountants). It seeks a deeper understanding of the relationship between the service providers and the previously disadvantaged SMEs they cater to. The findings suggest that a number of barriers exist within these relationships on both the side of previously disadvantaged SMEs and that of the accountants which limit the effective transfer of valuable services. Moreover, codependent barriers are often exacerbated by existing conditions within the previously disadvantaged community, further decreasing the likelihood that the exchange will be valuable. The combined findings reveal a "catch twenty-two" for previously disadvantaged SME owners with limited financial education. Poor financial administration skills lead to poor financial health and reduced cash flows. Yet upon seeking help from external services, these SME owners are often forced to pay more in the form of extended sessions to build their basic knowledge base, despite their constricted financial positions. And despite prolonged billing sessions, they are often unable to leverage the more sophisticated skills of accounting professionals. In order to break this cycle, increased public provision of financial education is needed. The paper concludes with recommendations for increased education, and with suggestions for the way in which previously disadvantaged SMEs and external service providers can increase the likelihood of ensuring valuable exchanges. Word Count 24,874
Seroprevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus among children in Northern India.

In light of earlier conflicting observations of hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence in India this study was conducted to examine the prevalence of anti-HAV among a group of northern Indian children. Sera obtained from 73 children (6 months-18 years old) with minor non-infective illnesses were tested for the presence of anti-HAV antibody using a commercially available immunoassay. Relationship of anti-HAV antibody status with increasing age was studied by applying Chi-square test for trend to antibody prevalence in three different age groups namely 0-5 6-10 and 11-18 years. Overall 61 (84%) of the 73 sera tested positive for anti-HAV whereas 45 (62%) tested positive for anti-hepatitis E virus. Anti-HAV prevalence rates were similar among boys and girls (34/38 and 27/35 respectively; p > 0.05). The study also found that anti-HAV antibody prevalence increased with age and reached 96% by late childhood. It is noted that the differences between the current findings and the earlier studies may relate to differences in HAV epidemiology in different population groups. Hence larger epidemiologic studies are necessary to elucidate the true reason for differences in prevalence of anti-AHV in different studies in India.
K-SHELL PHOTOIONIZATION OF NICKEL IONS USING R-MATRIX

We present R-matrix calculations of photoabsorption and photoionization cross sections across the K edge of the Li-like to Ca-like ion stages of Ni. Level-resolved, Breit-Pauli calculations were performed for the Li-like to Na-like stages. Term-resolved calculations, which include the mass–velocity and Darwin relativistic corrections, were performed for the Mg-like to Ca-like ion stages. This data set is extended up to Fe-like Ni using the distorted wave approximation as implemented by autostructure. The R-matrix calculations include the effects of radiative and Auger dampings by means of an optical potential. The damping processes affect the absorption resonances converging to the K thresholds causing them to display symmetric profiles of constant width that smear the otherwise sharp edge at the K-shell photoionization threshold. These data are important for the modeling of features found in photoionized plasmas.
Interleukin 1 induces endothelial cell synthesis of plasminogen activator inhibitor

Human endothelial cells activated with IL-1 express a surface membrane- oriented procoagulant generating system characterized by increased tissue factor synthesis and decreased thrombomodulin activity. We now report that IL-1 also stimulates endothelial cell synthesis of plasminogen activator inhibitor. This array of IL-1-induced activities shifts the balance at the endothelial cell surface to a prothrombotic influence and may reflect an early response of the blood vessel wall to injury.
Using the Technology in Reaching the Information of University Students: An Ampirical Study on Kafkas University

The rapid changes in technology have created significant improvements on the educational field and reaching the information. Reaching the information has become easier and faster than the past as a result of these changes. Thus, any information that emerge the any place of the world become available in a short time. The impact of globalization on information can be discernible most clearly at universities. Using the technology by university students to reach the information and information routes have changed. This study investigated the trend of using technology on Kafkas University students and the position of technology in research process.
Age Differences in Valence Judgments of Emotional Faces: The Influence of Personality Traits and Current Mood

Previous research on emotion processing revealed a positivity bias that progressively evolves across the adult age range. This study obtained gradual valence judgments of emotional faces across the adult age span, to see whether this positivity bias persists when positive and negative stimuli are matched for arousal; and whether bias relates to personality traits or to current mood. With increasing age subjects judged negative and neutral faces less negatively. Further, younger participants scoring high in “agreeableness” and “conscientiousness” scales showed a positivity bias when judging positive faces, suggesting an association of the positivity effect with trait variables.
Promoting Products Through Volume Discount: Evidence from Malaysia

ABSTRACT This study examines the effectiveness of the determinants that influence consumers' intention to purchase products under volume discount scheme (VDS). In addition, the moderating role of age is tested. A pilot study of 259 consumers was performed to conceptualize the underlying constructs and identify questionnaire items through employing exploratory data analysis. This was followed by a comprehensive survey of 583 Malaysian consumers. Data were analysed using partial least squares technique. The results indicate that brand image, store image, message framing, product characteristics, scheme characteristics, and subjective norms are crucial factors for the successful implementation of VDS. There is a wide gap noted between young and mature consumers in terms of the factors that influence on their purchasing behavior under VDS. The results help retailers to promote products under VDS in an effective way.
Consumer segments in organic foods market

Purpose – The aim of this study is to examine profiles of consumers in organic foods market segments and determine their attitudes toward organic food consumption. Consequently, we explore whether there are differences among these consumer segments in terms of their health orientation, socially responsible consumption, environmental responsibility and values and lifestyles. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 316 consumers were surveyed at supermarkets and malls in one of the largest metropolitan areas of a European city. Findings – The cluster analysis performed indicates that there are three segments based on consumer attitudes toward organic foods: favorable, neutral and unfavorable. The results show that the consumer segment with more favorable attitudes toward organic foods exhibits higher levels of health orientation and socially responsible consumption behavior when compared to other segments. Practical implications – It important for marketers to understand organic foods market segments so th.
Earnings management and initial public offerings: a new perspective from Egypt

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the phenomenon of earnings management in the Egyptian initial public offerings (IPO) market where most of the IPOs were the privatisations of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs). Design/methodology/approach – Using a sample of 59 Egyptian IPOs, the extent of earnings management was computed using a modified cross‐sectional version of Jones’ model.Findings – The initial results do not provide support for the hypothesis that Egyptian IPO firms tend to overstate their earnings before the IPO date. However, when the sample firms were classified under two groups based on the pre‐IPO discretionary accruals, the results illustrate that most privately‐owned companies were found among those which contemplate to aggressively manage earnings upwards in order to maximise the IPO proceeds, whereas privatised public enterprises were found with no systematic pattern of earnings manipulation. The results also demonstrate that pre‐offering discretionary accruals .
Exchange Rate Exposure and its Determinants: Evidence on Hungarian Firms

This paper analyses the foreign exchange rate exposure of Hungarian firms and its determinants on the basis of corporate cash flows and stock prices. The analysis focuses on the HUF/EUR exchange rate using monthly data from 2000 - 2014, resp. 2003 - 2012 in case of cash flow analysis. Stock prices exposure analysis showed that significant number of these firms is exposed: 18.4 % of publicly listed companies were significantly exposed in period 2007 - 2014 which is significantly higher than in previous period. According to the cash flow analysis results, 34 % of firms are exposed, whilst 45.3 % of small firms are significantly exposed. The measuring of exchange rate risk and hedging is therefore crucial for reduction of the firms’ uncertainty. Cross-sectional analysis suggests that the turnover and foreign sales are also important determinants of firms’ exchange rate exposure.
The Relationship between Supply Chain Integration, Just-In-Time and Logistics Performance: A Supplier’s Perspective on the Automotive Industry in Malaysia

This paper examines whether the supply chain integration, just-in-time (JIT) purchasing and JIT manufacturing could impact the logistics performance of suppliers in the automobile industry in Malaysia. An empirical study was conducted in the Malaysia Automobile Industry and the theoretical model was tested using regression analysis. Data were collected using mail questionnaires which were distributed to suppliers of Malaysian automotive manufacturers. The survey was administered to the management level identified from a list of executive personnel and to those who were actually in charge of logistics operations. Among one hundred respondents, 91 were considered as valid from those who practice supply chain integration for their business operations. The findings reveal supply chain integration, JIT purchasing and JIT manufacturing had direct and significant benefits to logistics performance. The scope of this study was by design limited to participant responded within a particular time frame and was only given a single opportunity to respond. The proposed framework provides significant contribution to the performance of logistics operations automotive manufacturing industry and furthermore enables logistics practitioners to gain better understanding of these factors effecting logistics performance. In addition, till to date, no studies has been conducted on the effect of supply chain integration and just-in-time towards logistics performance mainly in the automotive industry particularly in developing county, Malaysia.