Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ATR Is Not Required for p53 Activation but Synergizes with p53 in the Replication Checkpoint*

ATR (ataxiatelangiectasia and Rad-3-related) is a protein kinase required for survival after DNA damage. A critical role for ATR has been hypothesized to be the regulation of p53 and other cell cycle checkpoints. ATR has been shown to phosphorylate p53 at Ser15, and this damage-induced phosphorylation is diminished by expression of a catalytically inactive (ATR-kd) mutant. p53 function could not be examined directly in prior studies of ATR, however, because p53 was mutant or because cells expressed the SV40 large T antigen that blocks p53 function. To test the interactions of ATR and p53 directly we generated human U2OS cell lines inducible for either wild-type or kinase-dead ATR that also have an intact p53 pathway. Indeed, ATR-kd expression sensitized these cells to DNA damage and caused a transient decrease in damage-induced serine 15 phosphorylation of p53. However, we found that the effects of ATR-kd expression do not result in blocking the response of p53 to DNA damage. Specifically, prior ATR-kd expression had no effect on DNA damage-induced p53 protein up-regulation, p53-DNA binding, p21 mRNA up-regulation, or G1 arrest. Instead of promoting survival via p53 regulation, we found that ATR protects cells by delaying the generation of mitotic phosphoproteins and inhibiting premature chromatin condensation after DNA damage or hydroxyurea. Although p53 inhibition (by E6 or MDM2 expression) had little effect on premature chromatin condensation, when combined with ATR-kd expression there was a marked loss of the replication checkpoint. We conclude that ATR and p53 can function independently but that loss of both leads to synergistic disruption of the replication checkpoint.
Low-voltage ride-through of variable speed wind turbines with permanent magnet synchronous generator

The low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of a MW-Level variable speed wind turbine with a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is investigated. A new control scheme for the wind turbine that allows it to be connected to the grid during transient gird faults is designed and simulated. This control scheme emphasizes the regulation of the dc-link voltage. The simulation study of the wind turbine system is conducted using PSCAD/EMTDC, and the results show the effectiveness of the introduced control scheme to improve LVRT capability of variable speed wind turbines with PMSG.
Multiparametric Attenuation and Backscatter Images for Characterization of Carotid Plaque

The goal of this study was to develop methods for quantitative ultrasound imagery suitable for noninvasive assessment of carotid plaque composition prior to the selection of the technique for revascularization. Using two broadband transducers (5–12 MHz and 12–28 MHz), backscattered radio frequency signals were acquired from entire lengths of 15 carotid endarterectomy specimens. Spectral analysis methods with correction for system response and beam diffraction were applied to radio frequency signals from local volumes of plaque having a 2 mm slice thickness, 1 mm width and axial depth of 480 μm and 240 μm at 10 MHz and 20 MHz, respectively. From these spectra, local values of four ultrasound parameters (integrated backscatter, frequency dependence of backscatter, integrated attenuation and slope of attenuation) were estimated and used to construct quantitative images. To combine information from these different parameter images, a two-step approach was followed. First, in 59 independent quantitative images of highly stenotic plaque, the average parameter values in a central five-by-three pixel region were correlated with plaque composition as assessed by histology to investigate the relationship between parameter values, frequency bandwidth and plaque composition. Discriminant analysis of parameter values vs. plaque composition was made to find a set of predictive equations to classify sets of measurements. Correct classification was obtained for 100% of calcified, 75% of intraplaque hemorrhage and 71 % of lipidic plaques of the input data set. Second, each set of pixels from different parameter images was classified using the predictive equations, and a single, local tissue composition image was constructed. Examples of tissue composition images are presented in comparison with corresponding histologic sections. Both agreement and disagreement between image pairs are discussed.
The Unequal Influence of Structure and Strategy on European Manufacturing Firm Performance

Purpose – To analyse the contribution of firm structure (size, clustering and foreign ownership) and strategy (subsector specialization) to the financial performance Return On Assets [ROA] of almost 10,000 European textile-clothing firms. Methodology/approach – A panel regression analysis is conducted for five European countries that are representative of a Southern European model of clustered Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) specialized in low-value-added products (Spain, Italy and Portugal) and of a Northern European model of large vertically integrated firms specialized in high-value-added products (France and Germany) in 2002–2009. Findings – The Northern European model has generated better financial performance than the Southern European model due to the joint role of its structure (large size) and strategy (specialization). Nevertheless, we find a positive effect of clustering in the Southern European model. Research limitations – Clusters were defined at the NUTS II level instead of the NUTS III level. The coefficient of specialization was calculated for the pre-liberalization average. Practical implications – Explaining the different levels of competitiveness shown by the same territorial organizational model in an industry. Originality/value of the chapter – Work that has studied the behaviour of the firms within this territory-industry relationship is still scarce. Given that the viability of clusters and of European manufacturing have been put into question, our work evidences that the efficacy of the decisions related to the firm's structure and strategy needs to be tested jointly so that the way in which the firm addresses environmental changes can be appraised.
A study of Malay Language usage in Malaysian Annual Report

This study seeks to identify the use of Malay language in the annual reports of listed companies on Bursa Malaysia. The study was conducted in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 101 for the Presentation of Financial Statements. The study was made to a company for ten years beginning in 2001 until 2010. Samples of 234 from a total population of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia which totaled 844 companies in 2010. All samples must have a complete financial data from year 2001 until 2010 and also samples of the Malay language in the annual report. This study found that 4.19 percent (2001), 3.74 percent (2002), 3.43 percent (2003), 11.3 percent (2004), 2.84 percent (2005), 1.78 percent (2006), 1.62 percent (2007), 2.34 percent (2008), 13.2 percent (2009) and 1.90 percent (2010) companies that have downloaded the annual report using the Malay language in the company's corporate website. The study also revealed that the use of Malay language for reporting financial information and business is lower among companies listed on Bursa Malaysia. This study is very important as a continuation of further studies relating to the presentation of financial statements and the use of Malay language as a medium of information delivery.
THE ROLE OF OUTSIDE STATUTORY AUDITORS IN BANK-DOMINATED CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: EVIDENCE FROM JAPAN

This paper examines whether or not the role of outside statutory auditors are effective post the amendment of commercial law in Japan. By this amendment, Japanese large firms are urged to appoint at least one auditor. Under bank-dominated corporate governance, the monitoring role of outside auditors do not seem to be strongly expected. The empirical question arises of whether outside auditors in Japan are effective monitors or not post the amendment of commercial law. We find managerial entrenchment effects exist for the appointment of larger outside auditors. In addition, we can find a negative relation between bank ownership and firms with more outside auditors. These findings suggest that outside auditors have not still been expected for adequate gatekeeper in Japan. ***
On Nearest Neighbors in Non Local Means Denoising

To denoise a reference patch, the Non-Local-Means denoising filter processes a set of neighbor patches. Few Nearest Neighbors (NN) are used to limit the computational burden of the algorithm. Here here we show analytically that the NN approach introduces a bias in the denoised patch, and we propose a different neighbors' collection criterion, named Statistical NN (SNN), to alleviate this issue. Our approach outperforms the traditional one in case of both white and colored noise: fewer SNNs generate images of higher quality, at a lower computational cost.
Investigation of sequential pattern mining techniques for web recommendation

Increased application of sequence mining in web recommender systems (WRS) requires a better understanding of the performance and a clear identification of the strengths and weaknesses of existing algorithms. Among the commonly used sequence mining methods, the tree-based approach, such as pre-order linked WAP-tree mining algorithm (PLWAP-Mine) and conditional sequence mining algorithm (CS-Mine), has demonstrated high performance in web mining applications. However, its advantages over other mining methods are not well explained and understood in the context of WRS. This paper firstly reviews the existing sequence mining algorithms, and then studies the performance of two outstanding algorithms, i.e., the PLWAP-Mine and CS-Mine algorithms, with respect to their sensitivity to the dataset variability, and their practicality for web recommendation. The results show that CS-Mine performs faster than PLWAP-Mine, but the frequent patterns generated by PLWAP-Mine are more effective than CS-Mine when applied in web recommendations. These results are useful to WRS developers for the selection of appropriate sequence mining algorithms.
Motor efficiency of text entry in a combination of a soft keyboard and unistrokes

We describe a text entry system called UniKeyb where a character is entered when the stylus lands on a key on a soft keyboard. Optionally, a second character may be entered by doing a unistroke gesture before lifting the stylus. A simulation suggested a speed advantage of about 20% in expert use. In an experiment, we verified that learning needed for UniKeyb use is possible. Unikeyb may indeed outperform conventional soft keyboards in expert use. However, reaching such level of expertise requires learning the skill of chunking writing into two-character chunks. UniKeyb offers a soft transition to Unistroke writing because the use of Unistrokes is not compulsory.
Clinical Pharmacology of Caffeine Citrate in Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND: Apnea of prematurity consists in 15 to 20 sec. of breathing cessation and is the most important disorder in the control of breathing in preterm infants. It is treated with caffeine citrate. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this article are to review: (1) the mechanisms of action, (2) the effects, (3) the metabolism, (4) the pharmacokinetics, and (5) the adverse effects of caffeine citrate in preterms. METHODS: The bibliographic search was performed using PubMed and EMBASE databases as search engines and April 2014 was the cutoff point. RESULTS: Caffeine citrate is a stimulant of the respiratory and central nervous systems. It binds competitively to the receptors for adenosine A1 and A2A, causing inhibition. Caffeine increases respiratory rate and minute volume, stimulates respiratory centers, and increases pulmonary blood ﬂow and the sensitivity of central medullary areas to hypercapnia. Orally administered caffeine citrate is rapidly and completely absorbed. It is N-demethylated by CYP1A2 and is N-acetylated by N-acetyltransferase. The half-life of caffeine citrate is 100 hours at birth and 5 hours at a gestational age >29 weeks. There is a remarkable shortening of the half-life during neonatal maturation. Adverse effects of caffeine are usually mild, and include restlessness, vomiting, and functional cardiac symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine citrate is the drug of choice for the treatment of apnea of prematurity. It is an easy drug to use. Administered orally or intravenously once a day, it does not require monitoring of serum concentrations and has few side effects.
Emerging concepts: novel integration of in vivo approaches to localize the function of nicotinic receptors

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are important targets of the neuromodulator acetylcholine (ACh) and the drug nicotine. The role of their different subunits has been analysed for a decade by the creation of knock‐out (KO) mice using homologous recombination. This technique shows that a given subunit is necessary for a given function. However, for ubiquitously expressed genes, it cannot demonstrate the localization for a given subunit in which its expression is sufficient, especially for behavioural phenotypes. Sufficient in this context means that the brain region requiring the expression of the gene product has been localized. Novel strategies have therefore been developed to re‐express, region specifically, nAChR subunits on a KO background using lentiviral vectors. Localized regeneration of fully functional high‐affinity nAChRs in defined brain regions has proven that these receptors are sufficient to restore a variety of functions: nicotine‐induced dopamine release, nicotine self‐administration in mice, dopamine neuron firing patterns, and exploratory and locomotor behaviours in a sequential locomotor task testing executive function were thus defined as depending exclusively on the ‘knock‐back’ of β2*‐nAChRs into the ventral tegmental area. These analyses highlight the important role of endogenous cholinergic regulation of a variety of functions. The novel integrated use of restricted re‐expressed nAChR subunits with in vivo electrophysiology and automated quantitative behavioural analysis enables the further analysis of defined neuronal circuits in nicotine addiction and higher cognitive function.
Prevention and management of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes

Blood glucose control should be optimized aiming for a general HbA1c target 27%. (Grade A*). In people with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria, angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ACEi antihypertensives should be used to protect against progression of kidney disease. (Grade A*). The blood pressure (BP) of people with type 2 diabetes should be maintained within the target range. ARB or ACEi should be considered as antihypertensive agents of first choice. Multi-drug therapy should be implemented as required to achieve target blood pressure. (Grade A*) People with type 2 diabetes should be informed that smoking increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (Grade B*).
Escherichia coli cells resistant to the DNA gyrase inhibitor, ciprofloxacin, overproduce a 60 kD protein homologous to GroEL

Using a variety of mutagenic methods, we have generated a series of ciprofloxacin‐resistant mutants derived from Escherichia coli strains which overproduce the DNA gyrase A protein. Many of these mutants are found to overexpress a 60 kD protein which is shown to be highly homologous in terms of N‐terminal a mi no acid sequence to the E. coli heat‐shock protein, GroEL. Other evidence confirms that the 60 kD protein is unrelated to DNA gyrase and is similar, but not identical, to GroEL.
Employee-Learning Orientation and Innovation Performance: Assessing the Mediating Role of Organizational Learning and the Moderating Role of Transformational Leadership

This paper examines the role played by the employee-learning orientation (ELO) in producing organizational learning (OL) and innovation performance (IP). It also aims at assessing the mediating effect of the organizational learning on the employee-learning orientation- innovation performance link. In addition, it aims at evaluating the moderating role played by the transactional leadership (TL): on one hand, on the relationship between the ELO and the OL; on the other hand, on the indirect effect of the ELO on the IP through OL. This article explores these relationships using structural equations modeling with partial least squares technique with data set from the medical biotechnology industry in France. The results support all but one of the hypotheses and have important implications for both academics and practitioners, in the field of organizational learning, strategic leadership and innovation performance.
Advanced Wind Speed Prediction Model Based on a Combination of Weibull Distribution and an Artificial Neural Network

One of the most crucial prerequisites for effective wind power planning and operation in power systems is precise wind speed forecasting. Highly random fluctuations of wind influenced by the conditions of the atmosphere, weather and terrain result in difficulties of forecasting regardless of whether it is short-term or long-term. The current study has developed a method to model wind speed data predictions with dependence on seasonal wind variations over a particular time frame, usually a year, in the form of a Weibull distribution model with an artificial neural network (ANN). As a result, the essential dependencies between the wind speed and seasonal weather variation are exploited. The proposed model utilizes the ANN to predict the wind speed data, which has similar chronological and seasonal characteristics to the actual wind data. This model was applied to wind speed databases from selected sites in Malaysia, namely Mersing, Kudat, and Kuala Terengganu, to validate the proposed model. The results indicate that the proposed hybrid artificial neural network (HANN) model is capable of depicting the fluctuating wind speed during different seasons of the year at different locations.
LABOUR PRACTICES IN THE CONTENT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: AN EVALUATION ON AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURER COMPANIES' WEBSITES

Considering theoretical framework of Matten and Moon (2005, 2008) based on New Institutionalism and National Business System Approach, this research studied “explicit” CSR policies and practices of automotive manufacturer companies in Turkey. It was seen that automotive manufacturer companies composing sample group of the research focused on community involvement and development, environment and consumer issues rather than labour practices in the content of CSR. Disclosed labour practices were mostly related to individualistic practices rather than collectivist elements.
System and Transport Interface of SVC

Scalable video coding (SVC) and transmission has been a research topic for many years. Among other objectives, it aims to support different receiving devices, perhaps connected through a heterogeneous network structure, using a single bit stream. Earlier attempts of standardized scalable video coding, for example in MPEG-2, H.263, or MPEG-4 Visual, have not been commercially successful. Nevertheless, the Joint Video Team has recently focused on the development of the scalable video extensions of H.264/AVC, known as SVC. Some of the key problems of older scalable compression techniques have been solved in SVC and, at the same time, new and compelling use cases for SVC have been identified. While it is certainly important to develop coding tools targeted at high coding efficiency, the design of the features of the interface between the core coding technologies and the system and transport are also of vital importance for the success of SVC. Only through this interface, and novel mechanisms defined therein, applications can take advantage of the scalability features of the coded video signal. This paper provides an overview of the system interface features defined in the SVC specification. We discuss, amongst other features, bit stream structure, extended network abstraction layer (NAL) unit header, and supplemental enhancement information (SEI) messages related to scalability information.
Exploring the role of website attractiveness in travel and tourism: empirical evidence from the tourism industry in India

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to comprehend the causes and outcome of website attractiveness in the travel and tourism context. To address this, we proposed three constructs, namely website analytics, website agility and website resilience, and tried to explore the contribution of each of these constructs to website attractiveness. This study conceptualizes website attractiveness as a very significant component of a travel/tourism website especially from the customer point of view because a customer will continue using the services of particular travel site depending on how responsive the website services are to the needs of the customers. Based on insights from resource-based view theory, supply chain and marketing perspectives, antecedents and consequence of website attractiveness are identified. The partial least squares method was used for exploring the relationship of website attractiveness with proposed antecedents and consequence. Website analytics and website agility positively impacts website attractiveness. Further positive association was also found between website analytics and website agility along with website resilience. Lastly, website attractiveness was found to positively influence website revisit intention of visitors.
Optimal Price/Advertising Menus for Two-Sided Media Platforms

Ad-supported media platforms often engage price-sensitive consumers by offering content for free while reaping revenue from advertisers. Many consumers are also sensitive to advertising, however, so platforms need to carefully balance their advertising quantities with the prices they offer to consumers. Several platforms use menu pricing to achieve this goal: they offer consumers a choice between a free-use/ad-supported option or a paid-use/no-ad option. In “Optimal Price/Advertising Menus for Two-Sided Media Platforms,” DeValve and Pekeč use Lagrangian duality to establish the optimality of such menus in a model of consumers with heterogeneous advertising sensitivity, offering both theoretical justification for their use in practice as well as guidance on when and how to set positive prices. Moreover, the optimal menu characterization implies that platforms may have more of an incentive to offer menu pricing under competition (further explaining their prevalence in the competitive digital media market) and platforms primarily cater to consumers with low advertising sensitivity (suggestive of the proliferation of online advertising observed in practice).
Trading accuracy for speed in approximate consensus

Abstract Approximate consensus is an important building block for distributed systems, used overtly or implicitly in applications as diverse as formation control, sensor fusion, and synchronization. Laplacian-based consensus, the current dominant approach, is extremely accurate and resilient, but converges slowly. Comparing Laplacian-based consensus to exact consensus algorithms, relaxing the requirements for accuracy and resilience should enable a spectrum of algorithms that incrementally tradeoff accuracy and/or resilience for speed. This manuscript demonstrates that may be so by beginning to populate this spectrum with a new approach to approximate consensus, Power-Law-Driven Consensus (PLD-consensus), which accelerates consensus by sending values across long distances using a self-organizing overlay network. Both a unidirectional and bidirectional algorithm based on this approach are studied. Although both have the same asymptotic O(diameter) convergence time (vs. O(diameter 2) for Laplacian-based), unidirectional PLD-consensus is faster and more resilient than bidirectional PLD-consensus, but exhibits higher variance in the converged value.