Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tgif1 and Tgif2 regulate Nodal signaling and are required for gastrulation

Tgif1 and Tgif2 are transcriptional co-repressors that limit the response to TGFβ signaling and play a role in regulating retinoic-acid-mediated gene expression. Mutations in human TGIF1 are associated with holoprosencephaly, but it is unclear whether this is a result of deregulation of TGFβ/Nodal signaling, or of effects on other pathways. Surprisingly, mutation of Tgif1 in mice results in only relatively mild developmental phenotypes in most strain backgrounds. Here, we show that loss-of-function mutations in both Tgif1 and Tgif2 result in a failure of gastrulation. By conditionally deleting Tgif1 in the epiblast, we demonstrate that a single wild-type allele of Tgif1 in the extra-embryonic tissue allows the double null embryos to gastrulate and begin organogenesis, suggesting that extra-embryonic Tgif function is required for patterning the epiblast. Genetically reducing the dose of Nodal in embryos lacking all Tgif function results in partial rescue of the gastrulation defects. Conditional double null embryos have defects in left-right asymmetry, which are also alleviated by reducing the dose of Nodal. Together, these data show that Tgif function is required for gastrulation, and provide the first clear evidence that Tgifs limit the transcriptional response to Nodal signaling during early embryogenesis.
Newszak and News Media

Part 1 Newszak and news media: Newszak and news media - the argument in outline. Part 2 Newszak and journalism: journalism - image and reality the upstairs downstairs profession of journalism. Part 3 News media: read all about it - a history of the British press read all about it - the changing political economy of the British press changing radio times - a history of British radio changing radio times - radio, public service and markets blinkered visions - a history of British television blinkered visions - television, policy and prospects Newszak - regulation excesses keeping it bright, light and trite - regulating the tabloid press from the gallery to the gutter - changing newspaper reporting of Parliament pelvic news and proven winners - regulating television.
Corporate Theory and Corporate Law Reform in Australia

Australian corporate law has been the subject of significant reform. This includes: (a) increased duties imposed upon company directors; (b) regulation of transactions between public companies and their related parties; (c) increased disclosure requirements for public companies; (d) new liability upon parent companies where a subsidiary trades while it is insolvent; and (e) a wider definition of insider trading. In this paper, the author evaluates some of these reforms in the light of theories of the corporation - particularly the managerialist (or institutionalist theory) and the contractual theory. The author also discusses the costs associated with some of the reforms.
Spatially efficient distributed relay selection for random relay networks

In the presence of a large number of relays, some effective relays close to the source and destination nodes need to be regionally elected and the relays far from them shall be disregarded for relay selection process because of the likelihood of higher outage probability. In this paper, we propose an opportunistic feedback mechanism combining a geographical selection region where the relay whose effective channel gain is above a pre-determined threshold can only feed back, and thereby establish a relation between required relay-node density and the level of feedback threshold. It is shown that required relay-node density and selection region for a desired quality-of-service (QoS) depend on the feedback threshold.
The SPDC and sustainable development in the Niger Delta

Purpose - This paper aims to examine the place of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the sustainable development of the Niger Delta. Design/methodology/approach - To achieve this objective, the paper takes an overview of the oil industry and the Niger Delta. The paper further evaluates the sustainable policy of the SPDC, and highlights the strengths and weaknesses. Findings - The paper establishes that oil industry activities have undermined the sustainable development of the region. Although the SPDC has created wealth for Nigeria, the wealth does not benefit the Niger Delta people due to the culture of politics which promotes individual and parochial interests as against public good. SPDC's investments in the oil producing communities suffer a number of set backs which include faults in implementation strategy and structural deformities in the development process of the country. Also of note is the environment unfriendly operation of the SPDC that pollutes the environment and induces unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and collapse of local economies. Practical implications - The paper suggests political reforms and changes in oil legislations that will direct the oil wealth to the benefit of the people. Originality/value - The paper demonstrates that SPDC's sustainable development strategy in the Niger Delta has gaps that constrain efficiency. This understanding can guide the company to reposition its sustainable development programmes and thus become more beneficial to the oil producing communities.
Detection and Recognition of Traffic Planar Objects Using Colorized Laser Scan and Perspective Distortion Rectification

Reliable detection and recognition of planar objects including traffic sign, street sign, and road surface in dynamic cluttered natural scenes are a big challenge for self-driving cars. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive method for planar object detection and recognition. First, the data association of LIDAR and camera is set up to acquire colorized laser scans, which simultaneously contain both color and geometrical information. Second, we combine three color spaces of RGB, HSV, and CIE L*a*b* with laser reflectivity as an aggregation-based feature vector. Third, the 3-D geometrical characteristics of planar objects that contain planarity, size, and aspect ratio are exploited to further reduce false alarm. Fourth, in order to increase robustness to any viewpoint variation, we present a new virtual camera-based rectification method to synthesize fronto-parallel views of refined object descriptors in 3-D space. Finally, experimental results achieved under a variety of challenging conditions show that integration of color space aggregation and laser reflectivity is superior to individuals. Specifically, the proposed perspective distortion rectification method remarkably eliminates false recognition error by 45.5%. Overall, the detection rate of our comprehensive method has up to 95.87% and the recognition rate even reaches 95.07% for traffic signs ranging within 100 m, with about 33.25 ms average running time per frame.
A New Approach To Cross Efficiency In Data Envelopment Analysis and Performance Evaluation of Turkey Cities

The cross-efficiency evaluation (CEE) method, which was developed as a contribution to classical Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), has been successively used to solve problems involving unrealistic weight distribution as well as problems that do not require prior information for ranking the decision making units (DMUs). Originally, the CEE method included the efficiency evaluations that were obtained for a DMU by the classical DEA for the reuse of optimal weights in the other DMUs. As the optimal weights in the classical DEA solutions usually have multiple solutions, this reduces the usefulness of the CEE method. Hence, this study suggests a new technique that could be used in the second stage of the CEE method for removing the problem of multiple optimal weights and for determining the reasonable ranks of DMUs. The performance of the proposed model is examined on real data set relative to the efficiencies of Turkey cities. Key Words : Data envelopment analysis, cross efficiency, ranking.
Effects of Minimum Stimulation Settings for the Med El Tempo+ Speech Processor on Speech Understanding

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of variations in the settings for minimum stimulation levels on speech understanding for adult cochlear implant recipients using the Med El Tempo+ speech processor. Design: Fifteen patients served as listeners. The test material included sentences presented at a conversational level in noise (74 dB SPL at +10 dB signal-to-noise ratio), sentences presented at a soft level in a quiet background (54 dB SPL), consonants in “vCv” environment (74 dB SPL re: vowel peaks), and synthetic vowels in “bVt” environment (54 dB SPL re: vowel peaks). The patients’ speech processors were programmed with minimum stimulation levels set to behavioral threshold, set to 10% of most comfortable loudness, and set to 0 &mgr;A. Results: The level of speech understanding achieved in the behavioral threshold condition was not significantly different from that achieved in either the 10% of most comfortable loudness or 0 &mgr;A conditions for any test material. Only 2 of the 15 patients demonstrated performance differences of greater than 10 percentage points between the 0 &mgr;A condition and the behavioral threshold condition on more than a single test. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that there are no grievous consequences, in terms of speech understanding, for setting minimum stimulation levels below behavioral thresholds. The time savings from setting thresholds to 10% of MCL or 0 &mgr;A may be especially useful during the initial device fitting.
Molecular analysis of the regulatory region of the Escherichia coli K-12 tyrB gene

The tyrB gene from Escherichia coli K-12 was cloned and sequenced, and the transcriptional start point of tyrB was determined by primer extension. By using a fusion plasmid in which the lacZ structural gene is transcribed from the tyrB promoter, it was shown that the expression of tyrB is controlled at the transcriptional level by the TyrR protein, with tyrosine as corepressor. The fusion plasmid was used to isolate mutants in which the repression of tyrB had been abolished. The tyrB promoter-operator region of these mutants was sequenced, and the tyrB operator was identified. A comparison between the tyrB operator and those of the other genes belonging to the tyrR regulon is presented.
Introducing the SMART power flow controller - an integral part of Smart Grid

`Smart Grid' is an initiative to modernize the existing electric power system, which is envisioned to be integrating necessary devices for its most efficient operation. One such operation is increasing electric power flow in existing transmission lines with the use of a goal-oriented SMART power flow controller (SPFC). A SPFC controls the flows of active power and reactive power in a transmission line independently. The direct benefit of independent control is to maximize the useful active power flow while minimizing the less desirable reactive power flow, thereby reducing losses due to the reactive power flow in a transmission line. An additional benefit is the ability to increase power flow through the desired transmission paths that have high impedances, low power flow, and low line utilization. Also, grid congestion is avoided by redirecting the excess power flow from an overloaded line to underloaded lines, instead of tripping the overloaded line when power is needed the most.
Underwriter Short Covering in the IPO Aftermarket: A Clinical Study

In this paper, we present a case study of underwriter trading in the aftermarket of a recent initial public offering (IPO). The lead underwriter for this issue actively repurchased approximately 15 percent of the issue size to cover its initial short position. Detailed audit-trail and short-covering data identify the timing, volume, and counterparties for the Lead's trades. We find that price-support objectives are important on the first two short-covering days. Subsequently, repurchases appear to be governed primarily by their profitability and market liquidity. The Lead incurs lower transaction costs than other large traders, but provides substantial liquidity to the market.
The number of platelet glycoprotein Ia molecules is associated with the genetically linked 807 C/T and HPA‐5 polymorphisms

BACKGROUND: The neutral 807 C/T (Phe224) polymorphism (807 C/T polymorphism) of the glycoprotein (GP)Ia gene has been recently associated with the number of GPIa molecules on the platelet surface. The association of the number of GPIa molecules with other GPIa polymorphisms, such as HPA‐5 (Glu/Lys505) (HPA‐5 polymorphism), involved in alloimmune thrombocytopenias is unknown.
Effect of Au coating on the magnetic and structural properties of Fe nanoclusters for use in biomedical applications: A density-functional theory study

In this paper, we report the first systematic theoretical study of gold-coated iron nanoclusters, aiming at understanding the magnetic properties of this core-shell structure used in biomedical applications. The calculations based on density-functional theory focus on the effect of gold coating on the magnetic and structural properties of iron clusters of various sizes, and the reaction of the bare and coated iron clusters with oxygen. Our results show that the magnetic moment of iron nanocore with gold coating is still significantly higher than that in bulk Fe; the coupling between Fe atoms remained ferromagnetic and is insensitive to the thickness of the Au coating. Furthermore, oxygen remains molecular on a gold-coated Fe nanoparticle while it dissociates on a bare Fe nanoparticle. The improved chemical stability by gold coating prevents the iron core from oxidation as well as the coalescence and formation of thromboses in the body. Thus it is shown that gold coating is very promising for the magnetic particles to be functionalized for targeted drug delivery.
Adeno-associated virus vector integration junctions

Vectors derived from adeno-associated virus (AAV) have the potential to stably transduce mammalian cells by integrating into host chromosomes. Despite active research on the use of AAV vectors for gene therapy, the structure of integrated vector proviruses has not previously been analyzed at the DNA sequence level. Studies on the integration of wild-type AAV have identified a common site-specific integration locus on human chromosome 19; however, most AAV vectors do not appear to integrate at this locus. To improve our understanding of AAV vector integration, we analyzed the DNA sequences of several integrated vector proviruses. HeLa cells were transduced with an AAV shuttle vector, and integrated proviruses containing flanking human DNA were recovered as bacterial plasmids for further analysis. We found that AAV vectors integrated as single-copy proviruses at random chromosomal locations and that the flanking HeLa DNA at integration sites was not homologous to AAV or the site-specific integration locus of wild-type AAV. Recombination junctions were scattered throughout the vector terminal repeats with no apparent site specificity. None of the integrated vectors were fully intact. Vector proviruses with nearly intact terminal repeats were excised and amplified after infection with wild-type AAV and adenovirus. Our results suggest that AAV vectors integrate by nonhomologous recombination after partial degradation of entering vector genomes. These findings have important implications for the mechanism of AAV vector integration and the use of these vectors in human gene therapy.
A brief history on the oscillating roles of thalamus and cortex in absence seizures

This review summarizes the findings obtained over the past 70 years on the fundamental mechanisms underlying generalized spike‐wave (SW) discharges associated with absence seizures. Thalamus and cerebral cortex are the brain areas that have attracted most of the attention from both clinical and experimental researchers. However, these studies have often favored either one or the other structure in playing a major role, thus leading to conflicting interpretations. Beginning with Jasper and Penfield’s topistic view of absence seizures as the result of abnormal functions in the so‐called centrencephalon, we witness the naissance of a broader concept that considered both thalamus and cortex as equal players in the process of SW discharge generation. Furthermore, we discuss how recent studies have identified fine changes in cortical and thalamic excitability that may account for the expression of absence seizures in naturally occurring genetic rodent models and knockout mice. The end of this fascinating tale is presumably far from being written. However, I can confidently conclude that in the unfolding of this “novel,” we have discovered several molecular, cellular, and pharmacologic mechanisms that govern forebrain excitability, and thus consciousness, during the awake state and sleep.
Quality performance measurement practices in manufacturing companies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a survey study on quality performance measurement practices in the Turkish top 500 manufacturing companies. The study evaluates both financial and non‐financial aspects of quality performance measures in Turkish manufacturing companies.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology of the study was a postal questionnaire survey. The survey was conducted with the top 500 industrial enterprises in Turkey specified by the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ICI) for the year 2005. These firms are selected and ranked by ICI according to production‐based sales.Findings – Two major findings of the study are: Turkish manufacturing companies utilize non‐financial measures more frequently than financial measures; and Turkish managers perceive non‐financial measures to be more effective than financial measures.Research limitations/implications – The sample is restricted to the top 500 industrial enterprises in Turkey. As the data in this study were collected.
Stability of the money demand function: evidence from Ghana

This paper estimates the demand for money (M2) in Ghana for the period 1960 to 1996. The hypothesis is that the different macroeconomic adjustment policies (privatization, removal of foreign exchange controls etc.) which began in the mid 1980s would alter the demand for money function. The results of the study clearly show a structural break in the demand for money function in 1983.
Comparing direct vs. indirect estimates of gene flow within a population of a scattered tree species

The comparison between historical estimates of gene flow, using variance in allelic frequencies, and contemporary estimates of gene flow, using parentage assignment, is expected to provide insights into ecological and evolutionary processes at work within and among populations. Genetic variation at six microsatellite loci was used to quantify genetic structure in the insect‐pollinated, animal‐dispersed, low‐density tree Sorbus torminalis L. Crantz, and to derive historical estimates of gene flow. The neighbourhood size and root‐mean‐squared dispersal distance inferred from seedling genotypes (Nb = 70 individuals, σe = 417 m) were similar to those inferred from adult genotypes (Nb = 114 individuals, σe = 472 m). We also used parentage analyses and a neighbourhood model approach after an evaluation of the statistical properties of this method on simulated data. From our data, we estimated even contributions of seed‐ and pollen‐mediated dispersal to the genetic composition of established seedlings, with both fat‐tailed pollen and seed dispersal kernels, and slightly higher mean distance of pollen dispersal (248 m) as compared to seed dispersal (135 m). The resulting contemporary estimate of gene dispersal distance (σc = 211 m) was ∼twofold smaller than the historical estimates. Besides different assumptions and statistical nuances of both approaches, this discrepancy is likely to reflect a recent restriction in the scale of gene flow which requires manager's attention in a context of increasing forest fragmentation.
Project evaluation framework for industrial technology capacity enhancement

There is an increasing trend for interconnections between all nations of the world owing to the widespread globalization of industrial production, inputs sourcing and outputs marketing. A further reason is the raised awareness of global consequences, resulting from natural resources depletion and apparently localized environmental degradation activities by industries. Much of this ever-growing and complex interdependence has been possible as a result of a host of unprecedented technologial achievements in the past few deades, which have enabled industrial enterprises in developed countries to accomplish an increased degree of flexibility, through automated manufacturing, to combine economies of sale, through process standardization, with economies of scope, through product differentiation, and to acheive quicker response times to customers7apos; prefernces and market demands. Simultaneously, in most developing countries, there is also an observable undercurrent of deregulation, privatization or corporatiz.
A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH OF ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION WITHIN SMALL BUSINESS CONTEXT

There is abundant literature about individual entrepreneurship (entrepreneurs) and about corporate entrepreneurship within organizations. But little is written about a related concept like Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) in small businesses, and also, about how to describe its role in their strategic formulation.The paper attempts to identify the main attributes of the EO concept and its determinants within small business context. EO consists of three components: Innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking by strategic leaders in these firms. An innovative small business wilI not be an entrepreneurial if it does not take risks or is not sufficiently proactive towards competitors and environment.After describing the emergence of this concept, the paper shows the importance of the EO as a valid strategic orientation for small businesses when they re-think their strategic analyses with Opportunity-based and Resource-based views. Adopting such orientation seems to reflect a needed conciliation between other strategic orientations (market-, technology- and stakeholder orientations) and altogether blending of them.Finally, the paper concludes with proposing some implications for future research to deepen the study (conceptually and empirically) of the EO within small business context.
The Impact of Banks’ Cumulative Reserve Position on Federal Funds Rate Behavior

We analyze the impact that reserve levels accumulated through the preceding day in a reserve maintenance period have on the level of the federal funds rate each morning prior to when open-market operations are arranged. Our empirical results and other evidence provided about intraday patterns of the federal funds rate demonstrate that the pace at which reserves are supplied over a maintenance period to meet banks’ total reserve requirements is an important determinant of federal funds rate behavior.
From Gorbachev to Kosovo: Atlantic rivalries and the re-incorporation of Eastern Europe

This paper argues that the collapse of the Soviet bloc and Yugoslavia catalysed an acceleration in the transition from a corporate liberal, 'Rhineland' pattern of capitalist discipline to a neoliberal pattern in the North Atlantic political economy. This process evolved through an initial phase of conservative, sphere-of-interest policies in which the particularities of the different Western states prevailed over any common posture; to a US-led offensive eventually drawing all Atlantic states into common forward movement into Eastern Europe, extending Washington's influence as far as central Asia. Structural differences in sectoral and world market orientation between capitals predisposed particular states to different policies through these phases. Ultimately, the European states representing regional economic interests were brought into line by the offensive approach under Clinton. The offensive exposed structural weaknesses of continental European capital as much as the failure of the European left governments to pursue an alternative to neoliberalism.