Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innervation of the mouse cornea during development.

PURPOSE Dense innervation of the cornea is important for maintaining its homeostasis and transparency. Although corneal nerves have been well studied in adults, little is known about mammalian corneal innervation during development. This study provides a detailed profile of nerves at various stages of mouse cornea development. METHODS Mouse heads and corneas were collected at various stages of development including embryonic days (E)12.5 to E16.5, postnatal days (P)0, P10, three weeks after birth, and the adult. Corneas were immunostained with an anti-neuron-specific β-tubulin antibody (TUJ1). Fluorescently labeled nerves in whole-mount tissues and sections were imaged and analyzed for their axonal projections during eye development. RESULTS The first nerve bundles appear at the periphery of the anterior portion of the eye by E12.5. Initial projection into the stroma occurs at E13.5 without formation of a pericorneal nerve ring. Between E13.5 and E16.5, nerve bundles project directly into the periphery of the presumptive cornea stroma. They branch repeatedly as they extend toward the cornea center and epithelium. Concomitantly, nerve bundles originating from four quadrants of the eye bifurcate into smaller branches that innervate the entire stroma. The first epithelial innervation occurs at E16.5. Epithelial nerves arrange into patterns that project toward the center subsequently forming a swirl at three weeks after birth, which becomes more pronounced in adults. CONCLUSIONS Nerve bundles that arise from four quadrants of the eye innervate the mouse cornea. The nerve bundles directly innervate the stroma without forming a pericorneal nerve ring. Radial arrangement of epithelial nerves gradually becomes centrally oriented, subsequently forming a swirl pattern.
Role of Transcription Factor Kar4 in Regulating Downstream Events in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pheromone Response Pathway

ABSTRACT Yeast Kar4 is a putative transcription factor required for karyogamy (the fusion of haploid nuclei during mating) and possibly other functions. Previously known to be required only for the transcriptional induction of KAR3 and CIK1, microarray experiments identified many genes regulated by Kar4 in both mating and mitosis. Several gene clusters are positively or negatively regulated by mating pheromone in a Kar4-dependent manner. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and gel shift assays confirmed that Kar4 binds to regulatory DNA sequences upstream of KAR3. Together with one-hybrid experiments, these data support a model in which both Kar4 and Ste12 bind jointly to the KAR3 promoter. Analysis of the upstream regions of Kar4-induced genes identified a DNA sequence motif that may be a binding site for Kar4. Mutation within the motif upstream of KAR3 eliminated pheromone induction. Genes regulated by Kar4, on average, are delayed in their temporal expression and exhibit a more stringent dose response to pheromone. Furthermore, the induction of Kar4 by pheromone is necessary for the delayed temporal induction of KAR3 and PRM2, genes required for efficient nuclear fusion during mating. Accordingly, we propose that Kar4 plays a critical role in the choreography of the mating response.
An Analysis of the Diffusion of RFID in the UK Logistics Sector Using a Technology-Acceptance Perspective

In this chapter, the authors explore the factors affecting the UK logistics service providers’ intention to use RFID technology from the theoretical perspective of a Technology-Acceptance Model (TAM). The survey data analysis shows that perceived usability of RFID has a significant relationship with the levels of adoption of the technology, but perceived privacy issues and perceived security issues do not have such a significant relationship. Using further moderation analysis, the authors find that the relationship between usability and adoption becomes stronger if there is a high level of support for RFID projects within an organisation. The study points to the need to improve the appreciation and support in an organisation for RFID projects. For example, top management should be well informed so as to provide good support, while employees should be motivated to back the use of RFID in their operations. An appropriate level of the required infrastructure will also help increase the usability and hence the adoption of RFID in UK logistics. Ramakrishnan Ramanathan University of Bedfordshire, UK Usha Ramanathan University of Bedfordshire, UK Lok Wan Lorraine Ko Nottingham University, UK
The Effect of Board and Ownership Structure on Environmental Reporting: A Case of the Top 100 MCG Index Companies

CSR-Based Corporate Governance examines ways in which the concept of corporate governance has widened to incorporate stakeholder concerns as well as shareholder accountability. This study examines the association between environmental reporting practice and board size, board independence, institutional ownership and foreign ownership. Data is obtained using content analysis on the annual report of the Top 100 public listed companies in Malaysia Corporate Governance Index (MCGI) 2009. The environmental reporting is based on environmental information disclose in separate environmental section. Overall finding shows that 21 companies reported some form of environmental information in separate environmental section in annual report. Furthermore, it is revealed that there is a significant relationship between the foreign ownership and the environmental reporting practice. This to a certain extent supports the contention of agency theory.
Calreticulin ( CRT ) regulates Transforming Growth Factor-β ( TGF-β ) stimulated extracellular matrix production

Background: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with fibrotic diseases although the mechanisms are not completely understood. Results: The ER stress protein calreticulin regulates TGF-β stimulated extracellular matrix through control of intracellular calcium and NFAT signaling. Conclusion: Calreticulin is necessary for TGF-β stimulated extracellular matrix production. Significance: These findings identify calreticulin as a mechanistic link between ER stress and fibrosis.
Proteogenomic analysis prioritises functional single nucleotide variants in cancer samples

Massively parallel DNA sequencing enables the detection of thousands of germline and somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in cancer samples. The functional analysis of these mutations is often carried out through in silico predictions, with further downstream experimental validation rarely performed. Here, we examine the potential of using mass spectrometry-based proteomics data to further annotate the function of SNVs in cancer samples. RNA-seq and whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from Jurkat cells were used to construct a custom database of single amino acid variant (SAAV) containing peptides and identified over 1,000 such peptides in two Jurkat proteomics datasets. The analysis enabled the detection of a truncated form of splicing regulator YTHDC1 at the protein level. To extend the functional annotation further, a Jurkat phosphoproteomics dataset was analysed, identifying 463 SAAV containing phosphopeptides. Of these phosphopeptides, 24 SAAVs were found to directly impact the phosphorylation event through the creation of either a phosphorylation site or a kinase recognition motif. We identified a novel phosphorylation site created by a SAAV in splicing factor SF3B1, a protein that is frequently mutated in leukaemia. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use phosphoproteomics data to directly identify novel phosphorylation events arising from the creation of phosphorylation sites by SAAVs. Our study reveals multiple functional mutations impacting the splicing pathway in Jurkat cells and demonstrates potential benefits of an integrative proteogenomics analysis for high-throughput functional annotation of SNVs in cancer.
Analysis of strategy of innovative activity of corporate engineering enterprises depending on the direction of impact factors on their activities

The features of the formation, implementation and improvement of strategy of innovative activity of corporate engineering enterprises are analyzed depending on the type of innovative behavior (leaders, followers, outsiders) and impact factors (demand for innovation, state government regulation of innovative activity and internal capacity of enterprises). Type of innovative behavior of corporate enterprise may change under the influence of these groups of factors and, in turn, will determine the need to clarify the strategic goals of innovative management. It is proved that the strategy of innovative activity of corporate engineering enterprises have developed, perfected and implemented under consideration of three-vector targeting of endogenous and exogenous environmental factors. It is determined that the factors of demand for innovation and state regulation of innovation currently do most destructive impact on the results of innovative management and corporate engineering enterprises leading to their strategic reorientation. It is identified that despite the inability or limited ability of corporate enterprises to influence environmental factors, they play an important role in stimulating innovative activity and state innovative strategy with appropriate differentiated approach could create incentives for each type of innovative enterprises. At the same time it is determined that the corporate enterprise may focusing now on the potential impact on key indicators that depend on them (internal potential) based on target approach and implementation of innovative audits that track mutual solution of strategic and tactical goals, the results of implementation and offer recommendations for its achievements in the case of deviations.
Making the transition to retirement: appraisals, post‐transition lifestyle, and changes in consumption patterns

Purpose – This research proposes to examine how the retirement experience in the USA is cultivated via the appraisal process and reflected in post‐retirement lifestyle postures and consumption changes.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 298 recent retirees were surveyed to test hypotheses suggested by a proposed model of the retirement experience. The model proposes that the appraisal process is integral in determining how a retiree interprets impact of the event for self‐identity and reflects self‐realignment strategies in post‐retirement consumption patterns.Findings – Findings show that perceptions of resource availability are important predictors of retiree appraisals. Furthermore, appraisals directly impact retirees' adoption of a post‐transition lifestyle posture, whether “new start”, “continuation of life”, “disruption to life”, or “beginning of old age”. Also explored are differences between lifestyle postures and post‐retirement consumption expenditures across a number of product categories.
Application of Hybrid Method to the Quasi-Periodic Analysis of Micro Gas Journal Bearing System

This paper employs a hybrid numerical method combining the differential transformation method and the finite difference method to study the dynamic behavior of a rigid rotor supported by a micro gas journal bearing system. The analytical results reveal a complex dynamic behavior comprising periodic, sub-harmonic, and quasi-periodic responses of the rotor center. Furthermore, the results reveal the changes which take place in the dynamic behavior of the bearing system as the rotor mass is increased. The current analytical results are found to be in good agreement with those of other numerical methods. Therefore, the proposed method provides an effective means of gaining insights into the nonlinear dynamics of micro gas film rotor-bearing systems.
Evaluation of new substrate surface finish: Electroless nickel/electroless palladium/immersion gold (ENEPIG)

In this paper, we studied the wire bonding ability and the solder joint reliability for electrolytic Ni/Au and ENEPIG. For studying wire bonding ability, 4N wire with 20 mum in diameter was used. Pull strength of Au wire and failure mode after each pull test were both the criteria of wire bonding. After wire pull test, the pull strength and failure mode of Electrolytic Ni/Au and ENEPIG were similar. Therefore, it could be supposed the wire bonding ability of ENEPIG is similar with electrolytic Ni/Au. For solder joint reliability, different types of solder joint test were conducted- conventional ball shear test, cold-ball pull test. High speed ball shear test was also applied to simulate high strain rate loading, similar as drop test. Failure mode and micro analysis were carried out by the analytical tools, including scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDX).
Identifying firms' tax loss carry-forward status: The accuracy of database-ariven methods

Due to data restrictions, empirical tax research commonly relies on database-driven methods as a means of identifying firms' tax loss carry-forward (TLCF) status. Employing a panel of listed Italian parent companies, I am the first to empirically examine the accuracy of database-driven methods in predicting the availability and the amount of TLCF at single-firm level. In order to assess the accuracy of database-driven identification methods, I compare firms' true TLCF status, as determined based on IFRS statement information, to the TLCF status predictions of the methods examined. I find that database-driven methods do not perform well in predicting the availability of TLCF. They perform poorly in predicting the amount of TLCF available to firms. Empirical studies that rely on database-driven identification methods might thus not be able to derive reliable results regarding the impact of TLCF. My findings thus indicate that there is a strong need for firm-specific TLCF information provided by local authorities in empirical tax research.
Positive, negative, zero refraction, and beam splitting in a solid/air phononic crystal: Theoretical and experimental study

We report on a phononic crystal (PC) consisting of a square array of cylindrical polyvinylchloride inclusions in air that exhibits positive, negative, or zero refraction depending on the angle of the incident sound beam. For all three cases of refraction, the transmitted beam undergoes splitting upon exiting the crystal. These properties are analyzed theoretically using finite difference time domain method and are demonstrated experimentally. Band structures and equifrequency surfaces (EFSs) calculated with the plane-wave expansion method show that the observed properties result from the unique geometry of the PC's EFS as compared to that of the incident media.
Do Small Companies Have Superior Financial Expertise Or Are They Just Managing Earnings

This paper addresses the issue of the earnings distribution (explicitly net earnings, operating earnings and financing income) of Slovenian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (now on SMEs). It builds on the work by Burgstahler and Dichev (1997) on the earnings manipulation to avoid losses. We take their cross-sectional distribution of earnings approach as a baseline of our analysis, and apply it in an economic and financial crisis situation within the 2008-2010 period across various company size groups in Slovenia, a setting with extremely limited access to finance. However, since Durtschi and Easton (2005) claim Burgstahler and Dichev’s (1997) approach per se do not necessarily prove earnings management, we additionally perform a nonparametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test (Wilcoxon, 1945) on sub-samples of micro, small, medium-sized and large companies, controlled for their capital structure (indebtedness). The results of our analysis show a) earnings shifts occur in financial crisis also, b) earnings shifts occur more often among micro and small companies than medium sized and large companies, and c) despite of limited access to finance, rising funding costs and decreasing investment returns, micro and small companies making operating loss are recognizing statistically significant higher financing income compared to profit making micro and small companies and loss making medium sized and large companies.
Car park management with networked wireless sensors and active RFID

This paper considers automatic car park management, which becomes an inevitable option to rationalize traffic management in modern cities. Integration of networked sensor/actuator and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies is explored to enable sophisticated services via the Internet in the emerging internet of things (IoT) context. Based on this integration, we propose a scalable and low-cost car parking framework (CPF). A preliminary prototype implementation and experimentation of some modules of the proposed CFP has been performed. The clustering of sensors (sensing boards) into a single mote using the standard I2C protocol has been explored in the prototype, and experimental results demonstrate considerable reduction in cost and energy consumption.
Aerobic Exercise and Strength Training Effects on Cardiovascular Sympathetic Function in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective Exercise has widely documented cardioprotective effects, but the mechanisms underlying these effects are not entirely known. Previously, we demonstrated that aerobic but not strength training lowered resting heart rate and increased cardiac vagal regulation, changes that were reversed by sedentary deconditioning. Here, we focus on the sympathetic nervous system and test whether aerobic training lowers levels of cardiovascular sympathetic activity in rest and that deconditioning would reverse this effect. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial contrasting the effects of aerobic (A) versus strength (S) training on indices of cardiac (preejection period, or PEP) and vascular (low-frequency blood pressure variability, or LF BPV) sympathetic regulation in 149 young, healthy, and sedentary adults. Participants were studied before and after conditioning, as well as after 4 weeks of sedentary deconditioning. Results As previously reported, aerobic capacity increased in response to conditioning and decreased after deconditioning in the aerobic, but not the strength, training group. Contrary to prediction, there was no differential effect of training on either PEP (A: mean [SD] −0.83 [7.8] milliseconds versus S: 1.47 [6.69] milliseconds) or LF BPV (A: mean [SD] −0.09 [0.93] ln mm Hg2 versus S: 0.06 [0.79] ln mm Hg 2) (both p values > .05). Conclusions These findings, from a large randomized controlled trial using an intent-to-treat design, show that moderate aerobic exercise training has no effect on resting state cardiovascular indices of PEP and LF BPV. These results indicate that in healthy, young adults, the cardioprotective effects of exercise training are unlikely to be mediated by changes in resting sympathetic activity. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00358137.
Determination of threshold energy for hot electron interface state generation

A detailed understanding of hot electron nMOSFET degradation, necessary for predictive device lifetime estimation, requires both a realistic hot carrier distribution function (DF) model and an accurate microscopic interface state (IFS) generation model. Attempts to extract the latter have always been clouded by uncertainties in the former. This work addresses both aspects of this problem. First, a physics-based, two-part DF model which can successfully explain all observed bias dependencies for substrate, I/sub B/, and gate current, I/sub G/, in nMOSFETs is presented. In addition, a new back-gate bias, V/sub BS/, effect on IFS generation is identified. Then, combining Monte Carlo (MC) simulations with extensive measurements, a powerful technique is demonstrated which can for the first time probe the energy dependence of hot electron IFS generation in nMOSFETs. Although appropriate for use with more sophisticated IFS generation models, results based on a simple threshold model provide an estimate of 3-3.5 eV for IFS generation.
The exploration of treatment on extreme values for auditing medical claim payments made by national health insurance

National Health Insurance (NHI) has been implemented in Taiwan since 1995. This study's prime interest is to explore the Bureau's treatment on extreme values in the sampling audit and reimbursement process and see if the current method is reasonable or not. This research concludes: (1) there are significant relationships between the treatment of extreme values and the weighted sample-deduction ratios. (2) There are sufficient evidences to demonstrate that the current treatment of extreme values is misleading in the sampling audit and reimbursement process of BNHI. (3) The managers of NHI should identify extreme values before making reimbursement decisions.
Depth-based fingertip detection for human-projector interaction on tabletop surfaces

This paper presents a method for detecting fingertips using depth sensors for human-projector interaction on tabletop surfaces. We propose a complementary fingertip model consisting of 3D planar points on both a finger and background. Based on our model, we propose a cost function which enforces finger model points to be fitted on a detected human body region and enforces background model points to be projected on detected background surfaces. The fingertips are then detected by checking the final costs of the models fitted around several feature points. The experimental results show that the proposed method detects fingertips accurately with respect to various angles of depth sensors.
Prevalence, incidence and risk factors for pharyngeal gonorrhoea in a community-based HIV-negative cohort of homosexual men in Sydney, Australia

Background Pharyngeal gonorrhoea is common in homosexual men and may be important in maintaining community prevalence of anogenital infections. Methods From 2003, all participants in the Health in Men cohort of HIV-negative homosexual men in Sydney were offered annual pharyngeal gonorrhoea screening by BD ProbeTec nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) assay with supplementary porA testing. Participants self-reported diagnoses of pharyngeal gonorrhoea made elsewhere between interviews. Detailed sexual behavioural data were collected 6-monthly. Results Among 1427 participants enrolled, 65 study-visit-diagnosed pharyngeal gonorrhoea infections were identified (incidence 1.51 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.93) of which seven infections were identified on baseline testing (prevalence 0.57%, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.17%). Almost 85% of study-visit-diagnosed pharyngeal infections occurred without concurrent anogenital gonorrhoea. The combined incidence of study-visit-diagnosed and self-reported pharyngeal gonorrhoea (n=193) was 4.45 per 100 person-years (95% CI 3.86 to 5.12). On multivariate analysis, incident infection was associated with younger age (p-trend=0.001), higher number of male partners (p-trend=0.002) and reported contact with gonorrhoea (p<0.001). Insertive oro-anal sex (‘rimming’) was the only sexual behaviour independently associated with incident pharyngeal gonorrhoea (p-trend=0.044). Conclusions The majority of pharyngeal gonorrhoea occurred without evidence of concurrent anogenital infection, and the high incidence-to-prevalence ratio suggests frequent spontaneous resolution of NAAT-detected infection. The association of pharyngeal gonorrhoea with oro-anal sex indicates that a broader range of sexual practices are likely to be involved in transmission of gonorrhoea to the pharynx than previously acknowledged. Screening the pharynx of sexually active homosexual men could play a role in reducing the prevalence of anogenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae.