Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanostructured gold microelectrodes for extracellular recording from electrogenic cells

We present a new biocompatible nanostructured microelectrode array for extracellular signal recording from electrogenic cells. Microfabrication techniques were combined with a template-assisted approach using nanoporous aluminum oxide to develop gold nanopillar electrodes. The nanopillars were approximately 300–400 nm high and had a diameter of 60 nm. Thus, they yielded a higher surface area of the electrodes resulting in a decreased impedance compared to planar electrodes. The interaction between the large-scale gold nanopillar arrays and cardiac muscle cells (HL-1) was investigated via focused ion beam milling. In the resulting cross-sections we observed a tight coupling between the HL-1 cells and the gold nanostructures. However, the cell membranes did not bend into the cleft between adjacent nanopillars due to the high pillar density. We performed extracellular potential recordings from HL-1 cells with the nanostructured microelectrode arrays. The maximal amplitudes recorded with the nanopillar electrodes were up to 100% higher than those recorded with planar gold electrodes. Increasing the aspect ratio of the gold nanopillars and changing the geometrical layout can further enhance the signal quality in the future.
Contracting out by the public sector: theory, evidence, prospects

Unlike privatization, contracting out (or simply 'contracting') does not generally involve the sale of publicly owned assets. Yet it has been widely used as a mechanism for reform of public-sector service provision. Contracting introduces ex-ante competition-competition for the market through competitive tendering. This article examines both the theory and evidence of contracting by the public sector. It considers the theoretical conditions, such as contractual incompleteness and the ownership of physical assets, which may impede efficient contracting. It also reviews the international evidence which suggests that savings in the order of 20 percent are achievable, without sacrificing the quality of service provided. In the UK, savings of between 240m Pounds and 280m Pounds have been estimated for contracts let at the central government level. Substantial savings have also been generated by contracting at the local government level. Copyright 1997 by Oxford University Press.
Lipid and subunit III depleted cytochrome c oxidase purified by horse cytochrome c affinity chromatography in lauryl maltoside.

Cytochrome oxidase is purified from rat liver and beef heart by affinity chromatography on a matrix of horse cytochrome c-Sepharose 4B. The success of this procedure, which employs a matrix previously found ineffective with beef or yeast oxidase, is attributed to thorough dispersion of the enzyme with nonionic detergent and a low density of cross-linking between the lysine residues of cytochrome c and the cyanogen bromide activated Sepharose. Beef heart oxidase is purified in one step from mitochondrial membranes solubilized with lauryl maltoside, yielding an enzyme of purity comparable to that obtained on a yeast cytochrome c matrix [Azzi, A. , Bill, K. , & Broger, C. (1982) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 79, 2447-2450]. Rat liver oxidase is prepared by hydroxyapatite and horse cytochrome c affinity chromatography in lauryl maltoside, yielding enzyme of high purity (12.5-13.5 nmol of heme a/mg of protein), high activity (TN = 270-400 s-1), and very low lipid content (1 mol of DPG and 1 mol of PI per mol of aa3). The activity of the enzyme is characterized by two kinetic phases, and electron transfer can be stimulated to maximal rates as high as 650 s-1 when supplemented with asolectin vesicles. The rat liver oxidase purified by this method does not contain the polypeptide designated as subunit III. Comparisons of the kinetic behavior of the enzyme in intact membranes, solubilized membranes, and the purified delipidated form reveal complex changes in kinetic parameters accompanying the changes in state and assay conditions, but do not support previous suggestions that subunit III is a critical factor in the binding of cytochrome c at the high-affinity site on oxidase or that cardiolipin is essential for the low-affinity interaction of cytochrome c. The purified rat liver oxidase retains the ability to exhibit respiratory control when reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles, providing definitive evidence that subunit III is not solely responsible for the ability of cytochrome oxidase to produce or respond to a membrane potential or proton gradient.
Preserving Downtown America: Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits and the Transformation of U.S. Cities

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Do historic rehabilitation tax credits (RTCs) play a central force in ongoing urban revitalization? I examine the role that federal RTCs have played in transforming U.S. downtowns using a case study approach and geocoded, longitudinal data for 10 cities: Atlanta (GA), Baltimore (MD), Cleveland (OH), Denver (CO), Philadelphia (PA), Portland (OR), Providence (RI), Richmond (VA), Seattle (WA), and St. Louis (MO). I find intense concentrations of downtown RTC investments in these cities; these projects were relatively resilient through the recent recession. Federal RTCs play an important role in the ongoing, postindustrial transformation of U.S. downtowns. RTC-funded projects concentrate downtown and are a key factor in the reinvestment of declining cities. Takeaway for practice: Historic rehabilitation tax credits are an important tool for downtown revitalization efforts and will help local planners and urban policymakers develop robust strategies for downtown redevelopment. Unfortunately, the RTC program cannot be used for owner-occupied units, public schools, or government buildings; there are a finite number of eligible historic buildings; and planners have little control over the location of RTC-supported projects. Local planners, however, can facilitate the use of RTC financing by removing regulatory barriers to adaptive reuse and downtown mixed-use development, being cautious when considering demolishing older buildings, and working with local preservation groups to streamline the process.
Novel algorithm for underdetermined blind source separation based on matching pursuit

In this paper, the blind source separation problem in underdetermined case is researched. The separation of underdetermined BSS usually can be solved by a two-stage method: estimating mixing matrix and reconstructing source signals. The mixing matrix can be estimated if the sources satisfy the sparsity conditions. An algorithm of sparse sources recovery based on matching pursuit (MP) is proposed. MP is an algorithm which can deduce a sparse representation of a signal. Considering its utilization in sparse sources recovery of blind source separation, this paper improves classical MP algorithm and has obtained a better performance. Proposed method works well even the mixing matrix is ill-conditioned by reduce the error when match failed.
The Relationship between saving and GDP in Iran based on ARDL Bounds testing approach

The objective of this paper is to examine the relationship between saving and economic growth in Iran for the period 1970-2010, based on the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. The study finds a cointegrating relationship among national real GDP, national saving, labor force, oil revenues and education. Compared to the other variables, labor force and human capital (education) have the most important effect on long-run economic growth. Moreover, in short-run oil revenues and saving have the strongest effects on economic growth. Estimating error correction model revealed that the speed of adjustment to restore equilibrium is -0.79 which confirms that there is a stable long-run relationship. Regarding weak impact of saving on long run economic growth, it seems that government and policy makers should employ policies that would accelerate economic growth through higher productivity and privileged human capital.
Market share: the conduit to future success?

Market share is often used to describe the position and success of a firm in an industrial sector. While the impact of market share is not always reflected in a firm’s profitability or performance, many firms see it as an important organisational goal. Accordingly, it could be argued that market share influences the organisational thinking and strategic planning of small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises. However, it is unclear how and to what extent? The analysis indicates that firms with an increased market share differ significantly from firms with a decreased or static market share on the emphasis given to a number of environmental factors. The analysis shows that firms with increased market share are likely to have higher performance and in particular achieve enhanced financial performance, greater customer retention and customer satisfaction. This applies to all firm sizes. To ensure competitive advantage, firms need to consider market share in conjunction with overall profits.
A Petrobrás e a exploração de petróleo offshore no Brasil: um approach evolucionário

Technological Innovation had been changed into economic growth and development in all world. Many settled studies had highlighted the advantages of collective research programs against the option to carry out the same programs lonely. At this paper, will be sketch the innovators aspects built up by Petrobras to develop a broader and new efficient technology process to explore oil in depth water, summoned by Oil Offshore Technology. The theoretical sustentation riddled here provide from Evolutionary Economic Growth Theory. Through an exercise of knit practice and theory, the main goal is to show the success attained, by the institution, to use similar theoretic premises pointed out latter. To reap this conclusion, the outline of the paper is as follows. The first describe the theoretical features wherein hold up the follow section, the description of innovations through 20 years of R&D in offshore oil exploration. The last one, will be a mix flanked by conclusions and the link between Petrobras offshore activities and theoretical principles.
A Framework for Information Systems in Life‐Cycle‐Oriented Environmental Management

Although business firms have improved their environmental performance, a variety of forces are pushing businesses toward adopting environmental management throughout the entire life cycle of their products and processes. In this article we discuss the information systems elements of an environmental management approach we call “life‐cycle‐oriented environmental management” (LCOEM). This approach requires the firm to manage the effects of its processes from the creation of inputs to the final disposal of outputs, that is, from cradle to grave. We present a framework of the classes of information systems needed, describe their use in an LCOEM setting and define their inter relationships. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of LCOEM information systems.
Partial weight bearing does not prevent musculoskeletal losses associated with disuse.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate whether partial weight-bearing activity, at either one-sixth or one-third of body mass, blunts the deleterious effects of simulated microgravity (0G) after 21 d on muscle mass and quantitative/qualitative measures of bone. METHODS Using a novel, previously validated partial weight-bearing suspension device, mice were subjected to 16% (G/3, i.e., simulated lunar gravity) or 33% (G/6, i.e., simulated Martian gravity) weight bearing for 21 d. One gravity control (1G, i.e., Earth gravity) and tail-suspended mice (0G, i.e., simulated microgravity) served as controls to compare the effects of simulated lunar and Martian gravity to both Earth and microgravity. RESULTS Simulated microgravity (0G) resulted in an 8% reduction in body mass and a 28% lower total plantarflexor muscle mass (for both, P < 0.01) as compared with 1G controls, but one-sixth and one-third partial weight-bearing activity attenuated losses. Relative to 1G controls, trabecular bone volume fraction (-9% to -13%) and trabecular thickness (-10% to -14%) were significantly lower in all groups (P < 0.01). In addition, cancellous and cortical bone formation rates (BFR) were lower in all reduced weight-bearing groups compared with 1G controls (-46% to -57%, trabecular BFR; -73% to -85%, cortical BFR; P < 0.001). Animals experiencing one-third but not one-sixth weight bearing exhibited attenuated deficits in femoral neck mechanical strength associated with 0G. CONCLUSION These results suggest that partial weight bearing (up to 33% of body mass) is not sufficient to protect against bone loss observed with simulated 0 g but does mitigate reductions in soleus mass in skeletally mature female mice.
Stereo audio streaming via Visible Light

Visible Light Communication (VLC) is emerging as a next generation data transmission method for short-range communication applications. In this paper we implement and characterize two prototype stereo audio streaming methods utilizing VLC. A software architecture is developed to process and stream data. The software architecture is bridged with a hardware section, which facilitates free-space VLC channel, over a Universal Serial Bus (USB) to serial interface. A particularly attractive feature of our system is that it uses commonly available, low-cost components which enables its implementation in everyday applications.
Export instability: An alternative analysis of causes

Numerous studies into the causes of the export instability experienced by developing countries have failed to establish any significant relationships. This paper suggests that the widely‐used technique of cross‐country regression analysis is inappropriate and that the typical explanatory variable set is inadequately specified. Accordingly, analysis is shifted to a time‐series basis at the level of individual countries, and explanatory variables are developed which correspond more closely to the supply and demand determinants of instability. Applying this alternative model to data for a sample of developing countries produces results which suggest that this approach has considerable explanatory power.
Validation of different methods to compare isovolumic cardiac function in isolated hearts of varying sizes.

Functional comparison of isolated hearts with different sizes has been difficult because function varies at different ventricular volumes. To date, no standard volume has been established. To determine the most accurate experimental approach, we tested five different methods to standardize volume in control hearts with different sizes but similar papillary muscle function and in hearts with concentric hypertrophy: intracardiac balloon volume (VB) = 120 microliters (M1). VB at diastolic pressure = 10 mmHg (M2) or diastolic wall stress = 4 kdyn/cm2 (M3), V1 = 25 microliters/100 g body weight (M4) and VB = 50% of volume at peak developed pressure (Vmax; M5). Systolic and diastolic functions of control groups were different using M1 and comparable using M2 or M5. M3 and M4 showed borderline significant differences. We concluded that M5 and M2 were suitable to compare function among hearts of different sizes. If diastolic compliance is of interest, as in concentric hypertrophy, parameter-volume curves should be normalized by Vmax to compare function at corresponding points of the Frank-Starling curve (e.g., at 50% of Vmax, M5).
Proteasome inhibition activates the transport and the ectodomain shedding of TNF-α receptors in human endothelial cells

Binding of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to its transmembrane receptors (TNFRs) mediates proinflammatory, apoptotic and survival responses in several cell types including vascular endothelial cells. Because ectodomain shedding of cell surface molecules can be modified by proteasome activity, we studied in human endothelial cells whether the TNF-α–TNFRs axis can be regulated by the cleavage of their transmembrane forms in a proteasome-dependent manner. We show that proteasome inhibition increases the release of TNF-α and TNFRs from human endothelial cells and decreases their cellular and cell surface expression. This phenomenon involves the transient activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase p42/p44 that triggers the dispersion of TNF-α and TNFRs from their intracellular Golgi-complex-associated pool towards the plasma membrane. This results in their enhanced cleavage by TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE) because it is reduced by synthetic metalloprotease inhibitors, recombinant TIMP-3 and by a dominant negative form of TACE. In the presence of TACE inhibitor, proteasome inhibition increases the cell surface expression of TNFRs and enhances the sensitivity of these cells to the proapoptotic effect of recombinant TNF-α. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that proteasome inhibitors increase TACE-dependent TNFR-shedding in endothelial cells, supporting the use of these molecules in inflammatory disorders. In association with TACE inhibitor, proteasome inhibitors increase the amount of TNFRs at the cell surface and enhance the sensitivity to the proapoptotic effect of TNF-α, which might be of interest in the antitumor therapy.
Interactions Between Biogeochemistry and Hydrologic Systems

Here we review the fundamental interactions between hydrology and the cycling of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in terrestrial and stream ecosystems. We organize this review around five commonly studied environments: land-atmosphere interface, soil, groundwater, streams, and headwater catchments. Common among all environments is that hydrological transitions, either episodic changes in water availability or hydrologic transport of reactants, result in disproportionately high rates of C and N cycling. Two major research challenges in coupling hydrological and biogeochemical research are (a) effectively scaling reactions at these spatiotemporal transitions and (b) combining the progress made within each of the five environments listed above into an integrated understanding of hydrobiogeochemical cycles. Changes in local-to-regional hydrological cycling are likely to result in unexpected surprises at the landscape scale until progress in these research areas is made.
América latina: ¿volver a empezar?

America Latina esta comenzado el siglo XXI con una situacion positiva en cuanto a los equilibrios macroeconomicos, con un cierto logro en la recuperacion de la soberania sobre sus instrumentos de politica pero con evidentes debilidades internas que van desde la reprimarizacion de sus exportaciones al mantenimiento de grandes desigualdades en los niveles de rentas, ademas de la permanente diversidad existente en el continente que hace dificil considerar la region como un todo relativamente homogeneo. Este hecho se puede presentar como un atractivo para plantear orientaciones diferenciadas o con propositos de desarrollo nacional especificos en cada caso.
Strategic delegation and international capital taxation

The literature on tax competition generally concludes that international coordination of capital taxes among symmetric countries increases tax rates. This paper investigates whether this conclusion also holds in a political economy framework where taxes are set by elected policy makers. It shows that policy makers are fiscally more liberal than the average citizen if taxes are set non-cooperatively. However, fiscally more conservative policy makers are elected if taxes are set cooperatively. The introduction of tax coordination cannot remove the incentive to compete for foreign capital, but simply shifts it to the election stage. The paper proves that with standard specifications of the utility functions, coordination leads to lower tax rates than competition.
ESTIMATION OF THE MISREPORTING MODELS USING MICRO-DATA SETS DERIVED FROM THE CONSUMER EXPENDITURE SURVEY: THE GAP BETWEEN MACRO AND MICRO ECONOMIC STATISTICS ON CONSUMER DURABLES

In many countries, a gap between macroeconomic and microeconomic statistics is observed. To explain the gap, the present paper tests the misreporting hypothesis originally proposed by Deaton and Irish [4]. The data used for estimation involves ten clusters of consumer durables from the Consumer Expenditure Survey in the US. Misreporting takes place, if a household purchased goods but did not report the amount (type 1 misreporting), or it purchased goods but reported the amount incorrectly (type 2 misreporting). The variance of the measurement error in type 2 misreporting is small and is not statistically
An Analysis of Managerial Use and Market Consequences of Earnings Management and Expectation Management

ABSTRACT: This study examines how managers coordinate the joint use of earnings management and expectation management by estimating the relationship between these instruments and how this relationship changes as their respective constraints change. We do this by estimating structural models of the two instruments that account for the constraints on their use as well as their effects on each other. Our results suggest that managers use earnings management and expectation management complementarily when managers' ability to use earnings management is less restricted. However, as the constraints on earnings management increase, managers substitute earnings management with expectation management. Moreover, we find that the extent of expectation management influences the extent of earnings management, but not vice versa. Examining the market consequences of the use of these instruments, we find that, while there are penalties for using both earnings management and expectation management, either as complements.
Intracellular distribution of the La antigen in CV-1 cells after herpes simplex virus type 1 infection compared with the localization of U small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles.

The La antigen is known to associate, at least transiently, with a series of small nuclear and cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs and scRNPs), e.g. U1 and U6 snRNPs. In CV-1 cells a monoclonal antibody (MAb), directed against the La protein (La1B5), immunostained intranuclear speckles. These speckles were found to co-localize with speckles that were stained by MAbs directed against either all U snRNPs or only against U1 snRNPs. Two h after infection of CV-1 cells with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (strain HFEM) the staining of nuclear speckles with the anti-La MAb disappeared and the La protein was found quantitatively in the cytoplasm. In contrast nuclear speckles remained stained with the MAbs against the U snRNPs. Similar results were obtained using HSV-1 strains Lenette or 17 syn+ or temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants defective either in DNA synthesis (tsS) or in the immediate early protein (Mr 175 K) (tsK). Later in infection the La protein returned to the nucleus. Six h after infection most of the nuclear La protein was found to localize within patchy regions. These areas seem to be related to heterogeneous nuclear RNA transcription and/or processing sites, but not to DNA replication sites.
The Pricing of Relative Performance Based Incentives for Executive Compensation

Since 1995, more than 50 percent of the firms in the "FTSE"-100 have granted rewards to their senior executives, the payoffs of which are contingent on the firm's stock return relative to a bench mark return over a given period (hereafter, relative performance incentives). This paper investigates and derives closed-form solutions for a class of relative performance incentives that have a positive payoff if, in addition to the traditional contingencies, the firm's stock return is higher than the market return times a threshold. Results suggest that UK firms, in practice, when relative performance incentives (RPI's) substitute absolute performance incentives (API's) tend to (i) decrease the cost of their compensation packages; (ii) undertake more risky capital-investment projects; and (iii) avoid providing so high-powered incentives to increase shareholder wealth. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd 2001.