Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Analysis of the Voluntary Responsibility Discourse in Corporate Sector: The Case of France

Sustainability and CSR have become an integral part of business media across the continents. Despite the considerable amount of research done in this domain, CSR remains so far, a field of study within the broader discipline of Management. It is often defined as an ideology that pursues to attain business objectives by operating in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way whilst balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders. Thus identifying the key stakeholders and engaging with them in transparent and lucid is crucial to the long-term viability of business. A Corporate disclosure is often considered as a method by which organizations can interact with their stakeholders and thereby influence their perceptions. However, unlike financial disclosures, which are based on uniform standards, social and environmental disclosures vary within regions, countries and industries. In this present piece of work we endeavor to explore the patterns of social disclosures within the boundaries of political entity i.e. France. We discover that French companies focus on employees and environment respectively as the most important stakeholders in CSR discourse. A number of differences have been observed between this work and the literature. We argue that socio-political disparities, in part, account for these differences and therefore a more holistic approach by combing political economy theory with stakeholder and legitimacy theory should give a better approximation of CSR discourse dynamics.
Differentiation, cell fusion, and nuclear fusion during ex vivo repair of epithelium by human adult stem cells from bone marrow stroma

To investigate stem cell differentiation in response to tissue injury, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cocultured with heat-shocked small airway epithelial cells. A subset of the hMSCs rapidly differentiated into epithelium-like cells, and they restored the epithelial monolayer. Immunocytochemistry and microarray analyses demonstrated that the cells expressed many genes characteristic of normal small airway epithelial cells. Some hMSCs differentiated directly after incorporation into the epithelial monolayer but other hMSCs fused with epithelial cells. Surprisingly, cell fusion was a frequent rather than rare event, in that up to 1% of the hMSCs added to the coculture system were recovered as binucleated cells expressing an epithelial surface epitope. Some of the fused cells also underwent nuclear fusion.
Wireless powering and data communication for neural implantable electrodes

A high resolution RFID reader, collecting neural data from implanted electrodes is proposed. The system is powering the implant using a class E power amplifier (PA) and in between receives the data by an asynchronous demodulation. The technology used is a standard 65 nm CMOS TSMC. Simulations reveal an average power consumption of the overall system of 19 mW with a supply of 1.2 V at 300 MHz of carrier frequency and a BER of 0.3%.
Correlates of human herpes virus‐8 and herpes simplex virus type 2 infections in Northern Cameroon

The association between sexual activity and human herpes virus‐8 (HHV‐8) infection has been established, but the mode of acquisition is still unclear. Blood samples from 238 individuals from Northern Cameroon were tested to evaluate the incidence of herpes simplex virus‐2 (HSV‐2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Treponema pallidum, and HHV‐8 infections and to identify their possible association. The presence of HSV‐2 antibodies was associated significantly with gender, age, and HIV, HHV‐8 antilatent, and T. pallidum antibodies, but not with HHV‐8 antilytic antibodies. In a multivariate model older age, female gender, seropositivity for HIV, for HHV‐8 latent antigens and for T. pallidum were associated independently with seropositivity for HSV‐2. HSV‐2‐seropositive individuals had significantly higher titers of antibodies to both lytic (P = 0.019) and latent (P = 0.021) HHV‐8 antigens. These results suggest that HSV‐2 infection can contribute to sexual transmission of HHV‐8 infection. J. Med. Virol. 74:467–472, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monopoly Power and the Durability of Durable Goods

The inadequacy of mere price-quantity analysis was clearly pointed out by Edward H. Chamberlin several years ago. ' Professor Chamberlin focused attention upon the fact that, in spite of the generally accepted procedure of assuming products to be given while studying price quantity relationships, "products are actually the most volatile things in the economic system--much more so than prices. "2 Among many variable aspects of a product, he mentions its durability as one that is not only exceedingly variable but quite measurable. "Since it is variable, the producer has to face the question of how durable to make his product. Evidently if he makes it too durable, as soon as people have bought one unit they will not need another for a substantial period during which there will be no 'repeat demand' for his product. He has an interest then in making it less durable so that people will come back that much sooner to buy another unit. On the other hand, just as he must not set his price too high, so he must not offer a product which wears out too fast in comparison with others on the market. The problem is to find that length of life for his product which will maximize his profit. "' Chamberlin raises the question: "What governs the durability of different types of products, and under different conditions of competition and monopoly; and how does the optimum defined by profit maximization compare with standards defined by a public interest or welfare criterion ? "' Considering the obvious importance of this question, it is surprising that so little has been said about it in the literature.5
The major facilitator superfamily transporter MdtM contributes to the intrinsic resistance of Escherichia coli to quaternary ammonium compounds.

OBJECTIVES Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are used extensively as biocides and their misuse may be contributing to the development of bacterial resistance. Although the major intrinsic resistance to QACs of Gram-negative bacteria is mediated by the action of tripartite multidrug transporters of the resistance-nodulation-division family, we aimed to test if the promiscuity of the recently characterized major facilitator superfamily multidrug transporter, MdtM, from Escherichia coli enabled it also to function in the efflux of QACs. METHODS The ability of the major facilitator mdtM gene product, when overexpressed from multicopy plasmid, to protect E. coli cells from the toxic effects of a panel of seven QACs was determined using growth inhibition assays in liquid medium. Interaction between QACs and MdtM was studied by a combination of substrate binding assays using purified protein in detergent solution and transport assays using inverted vesicles. RESULTS E. coli cells that overproduced MdtM were less susceptible to the cytotoxic effects of each of the QACs tested compared with cells that did not overproduce the transporter. Purified MdtM bound each QAC with micromolar affinity and the protein utilized the electrochemical proton gradient to transport QACs across the cytoplasmic membrane. Furthermore, the results suggested a functional interaction between MdtM and the tripartite resistance-nodulation-division family AcrAB-TolC efflux system. CONCLUSIONS The results support a hitherto unidentified capacity for a single-component multidrug transporter of the major facilitator superfamily, MdtM, to function in the efflux of a broad range of QACs and thus contribute to the intrinsic resistance of E. coli to these compounds.
Multitemporal SAR Image Despeckling Based on Block-Matching and Collaborative Filtering

We propose a despeckling algorithm for multitemporal synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images based on the concepts of block-matching and collaborative filtering. It relies on the nonlocal approach, and it is the extension of SAR-BM3D for dealing with multitemporal data. The technique comprises two passes, each one performing grouping, collaborative filtering, and aggregation. In particular, the first pass performs both the spatial and temporal filtering, while the second pass only the spatial one. To avoid increasing the computational cost of the technique, we resort to lookup tables for the distance computation in the block-matching phases. The experiments show that the proposed algorithm compares favorably with respect to state-of-the-art reference techniques, with better results both on simulated speckled images and on real multitemporal SAR images.
Comparison of three multivariate methods of inferential modeling of soil organic matter using hyper spectra

The paper investigated the feasibility of Hyper spectra to determine the concentration of soil organic matter (SOM) in Harbin. The 95 soil samples were collected to a depth from 0 to 20cm. Reflectance measurements from 350nm to 2500nm were collected in a controlled laboratory environment. Three multivariate techniques (stepwise multiple linear regression(SMLR), artificial neural network(ANN), partial least-squares regression(PLSR)) and pre-processing transform nations of spectral data were compared with the aim of identifying the best combination to predict soil organic matter. The coefficient of determination (R2), the root mean square error (RMSE) were used to evaluate the models. compared three multivariate methods of inferential modeling, based on R2 and RMSE, partial least-squares regression performed best (the highest averageR2=0.826, the lowest average RMSE = 0.161).
Unique Gene Expression Signature by Human Embryonic Stem Cells Cultured Under Serum‐Free Conditions Correlates with Their Enhanced and Prolonged Growth in an Undifferentiated Stage

Understanding the interaction between human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their microenvironment is crucial for the propagation and the differentiation of hESCs for therapeutic applications. hESCs maintain their characteristics both in serum‐containing and serum‐replacement (SR) media. In this study, the effects of the serum‐containing and SR culture media on the gene expression profiles of hESCs were examined. Although the expression of many known embryonic stem cell markers was similar in cells cultured in either media, surprisingly, 1,417 genes were found to be differentially expressed when hESCs cultured in serum‐containing medium were compared with those cultured in SR medium. Several genes upregulated in cells cultured in SR medium suggested increased metabolism and proliferation rates in this medium, providing a possible explanation for the increased growth rate of nondifferentiated cells observed in SR culture conditions compared with that in serum medium. Several genes characteristic for cells with differentiated phenotype were expressed in cells cultured in serum‐containing medium. Our data clearly indicate that the manipulation of hESC culture conditions causes phenotypic changes of the cells that were reflected also at the level of gene expression. Such changes may have fundamental importance for hESCs, and gene expression changes should be monitored as a part of cell culture optimization aiming at a clinical use of hESCs for cell transplantation.
Cleavage of DNA with methidiumpropyl-EDTA-iron(II): reaction conditions and product analyses.

The synthesis of methidiumpropyl-EDTA (MPE) is described. The binding affinities of MPE, MPE.Ni(II), and MPE.Mg(II) to calf thymus DNA are 2.4 X 10(4) M-1, 1.5 X 10(5) M-1, and 1.2 X 10(5) M-1, respectively, in 50 mM NaCl, pH 7.4. The binding site size is two base pairs. MPE.Mg(II) unwinds PM2 DNA 11 +/- 3 degrees per bound molecule. MPE.Fe(II) in the presence of O2 efficiently cleaves DNA and with low sequence specificity. Reducing agents significantly enhance the efficiency of the cleavage reaction in the order sodium ascorbate greater than dithiothreitol greater than NADPH. At concentrations of 0.1-0.01 microM in MPE.Fe(II) and 10 microM in DNA base pairs, optimum ascorbate and dithiothreitol concentrations for DNA cleavage are 1-5 mM. Efficient cleavage of DNA (10 microM in base pairs) with MPE.Fe(II) (0.1-0.01 microM) occurs over a pH range of 7-10 with the optimum at 7.4 (Tris-HCl buffer). The optimum cleavage time is 3.5 h (22 degrees C). DNA cleavage is efficient in a Na+ ion concentration range of 5 mM to 1 M, with the optimum at 5 mM NaCl. The number of single-strand scissions on supercoiled DNA per MPE.Fe(II) under optimum conditions is 1.4. Metals such as Co(II), Mg(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) inhibit strand scission by MPE. The released products from DNA cleavage by MPE.Fe(II) are the four nucleotide bases. The DNA termini at the cleavage site are 5'-phosphate and roughly equal proportions of 3'-phosphate and 3'-(phosphoglycolic acid). The products are consistent with the oxidative degradation of the deoxyribose ring of the DNA backbone, most likely by hydroxy radical.
Differences between the scaling of miniature IPSCs and EPSCs recorded in the dendrites of CA1 mouse pyramidal neurons

Anatomical studies have described inhibitory synaptic contacts on apical dendrites, and an abundant number of GABAergic synapses on the somata and proximal dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells of the hippocampus. The number of inhibitory contacts decreases dramatically with distance from the soma, but the local electrophysiological characterization of these synapses at their site of origin in the dendrites is missing. We directly recorded dendritic GABA receptor‐mediated inhibitory synaptic events in adult mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and compared them to excitatory synaptic currents recorded at the same sites. Miniature GABAergic events were evoked using localized application of a hyperosmotic solution to the apical dendrites in the vicinity of the dendritic whole‐cell recording pipette. Glutamatergic synaptic events were blocked by kynurenic acid, leaving picrotoxin‐sensitive IPSCs. We measured the amplitude and kinetic properties of mIPSCs at the soma and at three different dendritic locations. The amplitude of mIPSCs recorded at the various sites was similar along the somato‐dendritic axis. The rise‐ and decay‐times of local mIPSCs were also independent of the location of the synapses. The frequency of mIPSCs was 5 Hz at the soma, in contrast to < 0.5 Hz at dendritic sites, which could be increased to 10–20 Hz and 6–10 Hz, respectively, by our hyperosmotic stimulation protocol. Miniature glutamatergic events were evoked with the same protocol after blocking inhibitory synapses by bicucculine. The measured amplitudes increased along the somato‐dendritic axis proportionally with their distance from the soma. The measured kinetic properties were independent of location. Consistent with the idea that IPSCs may have a restricted local effect in the dendrites, our data show a lack of distance‐dependent scaling of miniature inhibitory synaptic events, in contrast to the scaling of excitatory events recorded at the same sites.
Co-benefit and profit sharing model for operation of neighboring industrial PV prosumers

Industrial PV prosumers are such emerging entity in smart grid who not only consumes energy but also generates and shares the green energy with the utility grid. Independent operation is the most common business model of industrial PV prosumers. However, a co-benefit and profit sharing model for operation of neighboring industrial PV prosumers is proposed in this paper. Analysis proves that the total benefits in co-benefit model are higher than independent operation model. Whether energy storage system (ESS) involves in the cooperation or not is analyzed, and the energy management strategy with ESS is researched. The total benefits can be calculated by the power flow to the grid and electricity price. Based on the Shapely value method, a profit sharing model is established to distribute total benefits to every industrial PV prosumers participating the cooperation. Comparisons of profits between independent operation model and co-benefit model are analyzed in the case study. The results verify the theoretical analysis in the front.
Extracting a basic use case to let policy makers interact with citizens on Social Networking Sites

The following paper describes a basic use case to let policy makers interact with citizens on Social Networking Sites such as Facebook and Twitter. This use case is extracted from the exploration of a couple of more detailed eParticipation scenarios. As result we determined the core actions, extract topics from Social Networking Sites, respond to topics and launch new topics.
A WCDMA/WLAN Digital Polar Transmitter With Low-Noise ADPLL, Wideband PM/AM Modulator, and Linearized PA

This paper presents a single-chip digital-intensive polar transmitter for WCDMA and WLAN integrating a low-phase-noise all-digital phase-locked loop (ADPLL), a digitally-controlled wideband phase/amplitude modulator, and a calibration-free high-linearity power amplifier. From the ADPLL, the 1.7-2.5 GHz LO signal is generated together with a ÷1.5 frequency divider to eliminate DCO pulling. The phase noise of the ADPLL is optimized by using a linearized stochastic TDC with 3 ps resolution and a Class-C quadrature DCO (QDCO) with embedded quadrature phase shifter and quantization-noise filter. A 2-segment ΣΔ switching phase modulator enhances the PM bandwidth up to 200 MHz, and a digital polar amplifier employs AM-replica linearization to eliminate AM pre-distortion. The TX achieves a -1 dB output compression point of 22.8 dBm with an overall system efficiency of 27.6% and measures EVM of 4% for a 20 MHz 64-QAM signal at an output power of 13.8 dBm.
Spatial stochastic simulation of biochemical systems

Recent advances in biology have shown that proteins and genes often interact probabilistically. The resulting effects that arise from these stochastic dynamics differ significantly than traditional deterministic formulations, and have biologically significant ramifications. This has led to the development of computational models of the discrete stochastic biochemical pathways found in living organisms. These include spatial stochastic models, where the physical extent of the domain plays an important role; analogous to traditional partial differential equations. Simulation of spatial stochastic models is a computationally intensive task. We have developed a new algorithm, the Diffusive Finite State Projection (DFSP) method for the efficient and accurate simulation of stochastic spatially inhomogeneous biochemical systems. DFSP makes use of a novel formulation of Finite State Projection (FSP) to simulate diffusion, while reactions are handled by the Stochastic Simulation Algorithm (SSA). Further, we adapt DFSP to three dimensional, unstructured, tetrahedral meshes in inclusion in the mature and widely usable systems biology modeling software URDME, enabling simulation of the complex geometries found in biological systems. Additionally, we extend DFSP with adaptive error control and a highly efficient parallel implementation for the graphics processing units (GPU). In an effort to understand biological processes that exhibit stochastic dynamics, we have developed a spatial stochastic model of cellular polarization. Specifically we investigate the ability of yeast cells to sense a spatial gradient of mating pheromone and respond by forming a projection in the direction of the mating partner. Our results demonstrates that higher levels of stochastic noise results in increased robustness, giving support to a cellular model where noise and spatial heterogeneity combine to achieve robust biological function. This also highlights the importance of spatial stochastic modeling to reproduce experimental observations.
The effects of pollen, propolis, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester on tyrosine hydroxylase activity and total RNA levels in hypertensive rats caused by nitric oxide synthase inhibition: experimental, docking and molecular dynamic studies

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of propolis, pollen, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and total RNA levels of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) inhibition of nitric oxide synthase in the heart, adrenal medulla, and hypothalamus of hypertensive male Sprague dawley rats. The TH activity in the adrenal medulla, heart, and hypothalamus of the rats was significantly increased in the L-NAME group vs. control (p < 0.05). Treatment with L-NAME led to a significant increase in blood pressure (BP) in the L-NAME group compared to control (p < 0.05). These data suggest that propolis, pollen, and CAPE may mediate diminished TH activity in the heart, adrenal medulla, and hypothalamus in hypertensive rats. The decreased TH activity may be due to the modulation and synthesis of catecholamines and BP effects. In addition, the binding mechanism of CAPE within the catalytic domain of TH was investigated by means of molecular modeling approaches. These data suggest that the amino acid residues, Glu429 and Ser354 of TH may play a pivotal role in the stabilization of CAPE within the active site as evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Gibbs binding free energy (ΔGbinding) of CAPE in complex with TH was also determined by post-processing MD analysis approaches (i.e. Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) method).
Isotretinoin use for acne vulgaris is associated with increased serum uric acid levels

Abstract A few previous case reports related vitamin A and retinoid use with elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels. Recently, a population based study showed an independent positive correlation of serum retinol with SUA levels. Despite increasing importance of SUA in a number of disease states, no study has examined the association between retinoids and SUA. We aimed to evaluate the effect of pharmacologic dose isotretinoin on SUA level. This was a cohort study in which 51 consecutive adult patients with severe acne vulgaris who were prescribed oral isotretinoin treatment (0.5 mg/kg) were included. Dermatologic examination was performed and SUA levels were measured at study inclusion for each participant, and then repeated at the first and second months of therapy. SUA levels at first month and second month were significantly higher than baseline SUA levels (p: 0.001, 0.007, respectively). SUA levels at second month were higher than SUA levels at first month, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. This study is the first to show that pharmacologic dose oral isotretinoin treatment significantly increased SUA levels. Since hyperuricemia is associated with renal disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome as well as gout, it is important for the dermatologist to be aware of this potential adverse effect of isotretinoin particularly in vulnerable patients.