Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endogenously released ACh and exogenous nicotine differentially facilitate long‐term potentiation induction in the hippocampal CA1 region of mice

We examined the role of α7‐ and β2‐containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP). Theta‐burst stimulation (TBS), mimicking the brain’s naturally occurring theta rhythm, induced robust LTP in hippocampal slices from α7 and β2 knockout mice. This suggests TBS is capable of inducing LTP without activation of α7‐ or β2‐containing nAChRs. However, when weak TBS was applied, the modulatory effects of nicotinic receptors on LTP induction became visible. We showed that during weak TBS, activation of α7 nAChRs occurs by the release of ACh, contributing to LTP induction. Additionally, bath‐application of nicotine activated β2‐containing nAChRs to promote LTP induction. Despite predicted nicotine‐induced desensitization, synaptically mediated activation of α7 nAChRs still occurs in the presence of nicotine and contributed to LTP induction. Optical recording of single‐stimulation‐evoked excitatory activity with a voltage‐sensitive dye revealed enhanced excitatory activity in the presence of nicotine. This effect of nicotine was robust during high‐frequency stimulation, and was accompanied by enhanced burst excitatory postsynaptic potentials. Nicotine‐induced enhancement of excitatory activity was observed in slices from α7 knockout mice, but was absent in β2 knockout mice. These results suggest that the nicotine‐induced enhancement of excitatory activity is mediated by β2‐containing nAChRs, and is related to the nicotine‐induced facilitation of LTP induction. Thus, our study demonstrates that the activation of α7‐ and β2‐containing nAChRs differentially facilitates LTP induction via endogenously released ACh and exogenous nicotine, respectively, in the hippocampal CA1 region of mice.
Modeling Travel Expenditures for Taiwanese Tourism

Abstract This study develops a travel expenditure model using sociodemographic and travel characteristics to identify the important determinants affecting travel expenditure for Taiwanese travelers visiting the United States. Stepwise regression is used to accurately interpret independent variables. LInear Structural RELations (LISREL) is used for analyzing the Structural Equation Model (SEM) that is fit to a sample (n = 1,097) of Taiwanese travelers using the variables from the stepwise regression as exogenous variables and expenditure and length of stay as endogenous variables. The overall model is found to be robust and individual relationships are found significant as well. The results of this study provide a first step in studying travel expenditure using sociodemographic and travel characteristics for the Taiwan travel market. Implications and recommendations for the travel and tourism industry are provided and suggestions for future research are made.
An improved Bag-of-Words framework for remote sensing image retrieval in large-scale image databases

Due to advances in satellite and sensor technology, the number and size of Remote Sensing (RS) images continue to grow at a rapid pace. The continuous stream of sensor data from satellites poses major challenges for the retrieval of relevant information from those satellite datastreams. The Bag-of-Words (BoW) framework is a leading image search approach and has been successfully applied in a broad range of computer vision problems and hence has received much attention from the RS community. However, the recognition performance of a typical BoW framework becomes very poor when the framework is applied to application scenarios where the appearance and texture of images are very similar. In this paper, we propose a simple method to improve recognition performance of a typical BoW framework by representing images with local features extracted from base images. In addition, we propose a similarity measure for RS images by counting the number of same words assigned to images. We compare the performance of these methods with a typical BoW framework. Our experiments show that the proposed method has better recognition performance than that of the BoW and requires less storage space for saving local invariant features.
External involvement and operational performance: The mediating role of internal integration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a business model related to NPD for improving performance by testing the relationship between external involvement and operational performance, as well as the mediating role of internal integration.Design/methodology/approach – To test the research hypotheses about the relationships above, survey data were collected from 176 Chinese manufacturing companies. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypotheses.Findings – The results indicate that both customer and supplier involvement have significant effects on internal integration. Internal integration has a significant effect on operational performance. In addition, internal integration partially mediates the relationship between customer and supplier involvement and operational performance.Research limitations/implications – First, the relative effectiveness of external involvement may be contingent on various factors (e.g. involvement timing and innovation strategy). Second, the authors did .
Effects of hypercapnia, hypocapnia, and hyperoxemia on blood oxygenation level-dependent signal intensity determined by use of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of alterations in PaCO(2) and PaO(2) on blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal intensity determined by use of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in brains of isoflurane-anesthetized dogs. ANIMALS 6 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES In each dog, anesthesia was induced with propofol (6 to 8 mg/kg, IV) and maintained with isoflurane (1.7%) and atracurium (0.2 mg/kg, IV, q 30 min). During 1 magnetic resonance imaging session in each dog, targeted values of PaCO(2) (20, 40, or 80 mm Hg) and PaO(2) (100 or 500 mm Hg) were combined to establish 6 experimental conditions, including a control condition (PaCO(2), 40 mm Hg; PaO(2), 100 mm Hg). Dogs were randomly assigned to different sequences of conditions. Each condition was established for a period of >or= 5 minutes before susceptibility-weighted imaging was performed. Signal intensity was measured in 6 regions of interest in the brain, and data were analyzed by use of an ANCOVA and post hoc Tukey-Kramer adjustments. RESULTS Compared with control condition findings, BOLD signal intensity did not differ significantly in any region of interest. However, signal intensities in the thalamus and diencephalic gray matter decreased significantly during both hypocapnic conditions, compared with all other conditions except for the control condition. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In isoflurane-anesthetized dogs, certain regions of gray matter appeared to have greater cerebrovascular responses to changes in PaCO(2) and PaO(2) than did others. Both PaO(2) and PaCO(2) should be controlled during magnetic resonance imaging procedures that involve BOLD signaling and taken into account when interpreting findings.
The Economics of Technology Diffusion: Implications for Climate Policy in Developing Countries

Recent efforts to forge a consensus on the role developing countries should play in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions have focused attention on climate friendly technologies (CFTs), most notably those that enhance energy efficiency. In the medium term, the effectiveness of technology-based climate strategies will depend critically on the rates at which CFTs diffuse in developing countries. This paper reviews some of the key findings of the economics research on technology diffusion and assesses the implications for climate policy. The most obvious lessons from this research are that widespread diffusion of CFTs may take decades, and that diffusion rates in developing and industrialized countries are likely to be quite different. In addition, the literature has implications for a number of strategies for promoting technology diffusion including information dissemination, factor price rationalization, and investment in human capital.
VAR, ERROR CORRECTION AND PRETEST FORECASTS AT LONG HORIZONS

This paper focuses on the construction of forecasts over long horizons where a typical, long-horizon forecast might span four years using twenty to forty years' data. It is argued that the presence of persistence in the form of unit or near-unit autoregressive roots poses substantial difficulties for long-horizon interval and point forecasting. These difficulties may not be overcome even by efficient pretesting or model-selection procedures and might, in general, lead to point forecasts with large asymptotic root mean squared errors and undesirably wide prediction intervals. Copyright 1996 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) Expression in Human Meningioma as a Function of Tumor Grade

Meningiomas are one of the most frequent central nervous system tumors, with an annual incidence in the United States of approximately 2.5 per 100,000 people. An intense interest exists in evaluating new molecular markers that may serve as potential therapeutic targets. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is upregulated in a number of epithelial tumors, but to date, there are no published reports about the expression of COX-2 in meningioma. This study evaluated a possible relationship between COX-2 expression and malignant progression of meningioma. Eighty-three specimens of meningioma from the surgical pathology database of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital were evaluated. The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides were reviewed, and representative paraffin-embedded tissue sections containing the index cases were chosen and immunohistochemically stained for COX-2 expression. The H&E-stained sections of the individual tumors were classified according to the 1993 and 2000 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for grading of meningiomas. The COX-2-stained slides were then reviewed and an immunohistochemical score was calculated and analyzed for statistical significance. The association between tumor grade and COX-2 expression is highly significant using the WHO-1993 grading criteria, (p = 0.012). Tumors with a more aggressive phenotype (benign → atypical → malignant) are associated with increasingly higher levels of COX-2. Using the 2000 WHO classification system, however, the association between tumor classification and COX-2 expression was not significant (p = 0.17), although the overwhelming percentage of tumors expressed COX-2. The association of COX-2 and meningioma is unique and represents a potential area for therapeutic intervention with selective COX-2 inhibitors, either as adjunct or in combination with radiation therapy.
The Appraisal of Lodging Facilities

Stephen Rushmore i.s director of valuation services for the hospitality division of’ Helmsley-Spear, Inc., and specializes in the appraisal of hotels and motels. A graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, he also holds an M.B.A.from the University of Buffalo. A member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers (MAI), Rushmore has contributed numerous articles to hospitality journals. The present crrticle was developed from the author’,s book, The Valuation of Hotels and Motels, which was recently published by the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, 430 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. Buyer and seller are typically motivated;
for tropical low- and medium input farming systems

This module discusses important factors to consider when designing sustainable genetic improvement programmes, especially under tropical conditions. Previous attempts to launch breeding programmes in developing countries have too often failed for several reasons, although there are success stories to learn from as well. Long-term and simple strategies are necessary as is the need to efficiently exploit the potential of indigenous breeds. Increased productivity per animal or area of land used also need to be considered. However, that must be achieved while also considering the variable socio-economic and cultural values of livestock in different societies or regions. Within the module there are links [blue] to web resources and [burgundy] to case studies and other related components of this resource that help illustrate the issues presented.
Implementation of Hardware System for Hybrid Converter to Obtain AC and DC Outputs

In our paper, a method of using hybrid converter has been implemented. In the existing system, two stage approaches has been used. This two stage approach is both dc –dc converter and dc – ac Converter. This type of converters mentioned above has been used in the earlier stages, but the drawbacks that can be seen is increased cost and complexity. The proposed method mainly uses boost derived hybrid converter (BDHC) topology. This type of topology has the main advantage of high reliability and better power processing density. The proposed system is replaced by a controlled switch of single switch boost converter with a voltage source inverter bridge network. This proposed converter requires lesser number of switches which means it provides both dc and ac outputs with high reliability. This type of proposed converter will simultaneously supply both dc and ac outputs, but only using a single dc source as input. The proposed system is initially implemented with the help of simulation module. This simulation module consists of main module and the subsystem module. This main module consists of the subsystem module. This subsystem module is called as pulse width modulation (PWM) technique which is considered as the main part in the proposed system. This simulation module is implemented with the help of matrix laboratory (MATLAB) software which is used to verify the results of the boost derived hybrid converter.
The Relationship Between Sovereign Spreads and International Reserves: Does the Exchange Rate Regime Matter?

Abstract International reserves have been put forward as an important factor affecting sovereign spreads in the literature. This article empirically analyzes whether the relationship between international reserves and sovereign spreads depends on exchange rate policy in emerging markets. The analysis is carried out using exchange rate classifications based on both the officially declared regimes and the actual exchange rate behavior. The results show that international reserves reduce sovereign spreads for all levels of exchange rate flexibility using both classifications. Reserves have a similar effect on spreads for all exchange rate categories, except for hard pegs, under which the effect is larger.
Income distribution dynamics across European regions

We use two datasets to study the convergence process across European regions. Relying on Quah (1966a,1997), we examine the dynamics of income distribution and find evidence of polarization whatever the time horizon considered. Regions whose incomes were close together at an initial period transit subsequently to widely different income levels.
Reforming the Tax System in Japan to Promote Fiscal Sustainability and Economic Growth

Tax reform is an urgent priority, as Japan needs as much as 5% to 6% of GDP of additional government revenue just to stabilise public debt, which has risen to 180% of GDP. In addition to raising revenue, tax reform should promote economic growth, address the deterioration in income distribution and improve the local tax system. Additional revenue should be obtained primarily by increasing the consumption tax rate, currently the lowest in the OECD area, while broadening the personal and corporate income tax bases. The corporate tax rate, now the highest in the OECD area, should be cut to promote growth, while eliminating aspects of the tax system which discourage labour supply and distort the allocation of capital. Japan should also consider introducing an Earned Income Tax Credit to promote equity. The local tax system should be simplified, increasing reliance on existing taxes on property, income and consumption. Reformer la fiscalite au Japon pour promouvoir la viabilite budgetaire et la croissance economique La reforme fiscale est une priorite urgente : l’Etat japonais doit se procurer des recettes supplementaires a hauteur de 5 a 6 % du PIB pour simplement stabiliser la dette du pays, qui atteint desormais 180 % du PIB. Au-dela de cette progression des ressources, la reforme fiscale devrait promouvoir la croissance economique, faire face a la dispersion croissante de la distribution des revenus et ameliorer la fiscalite locale. Les recettes supplementaires devraient provenir pour l’essentiel d’une augmentation du taux de la taxe sur la consommation, qui est actuellement le plus faible de toute la zone OCDE, et de l’elargissement des bases d’imposition des revenus des personnes physiques et morales. Les autorites devraient abaisser le taux de l’impot sur les societes, aujourd’hui le plus eleve des pays membres de l’OCDE, afin de promouvoir la croissance, et supprimer les mecanismes fiscaux qui sont prejudiciables a l’offre de main-d’oeuvre et perturbent les affectations de capital. Le Japon devrait aussi envisager, pour favoriser l’equite, l’instauration d’un credit d’impot sur le revenu d’activites professionnelles. La fiscalite locale devrait beneficier de mesures de simplification et s’appuyer davantage sur les impots et taxes deja en vigueur en matiere fonciere et immobiliere, ainsi que sur les revenus et sur la consommation.
Supply chain risk management and performance: A guiding framework for future development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the constructs underpinning risk management and explores its application in the supply chain context through the development of a framework. The constructs of performance and risk are matched together to provide new perspectives for researchers and practitioners.Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual and empirical work in the supply chain management field and other related fields is employed to develop a conceptual framework of supply chain risk management (SCRM). Risk in the supply chain is explored in terms of risk/performance sources, drivers, consequences and management responses, including initial approaches to categorization within these. Two empirical cases are used to illustrate the application of the framework.Findings – A new framework is presented that helps to integrate the dimensions of risk and performance in supply chains and provide a categorisation of risk drivers.Research limitations/implications – SCRM is at an early stage of evolu.
Dribbling determinants in sub-elite youth soccer players

Abstract Dribbling speed in soccer is considered critical to the outcome of the game and can assist in the talent identification process. However, little is known about the biomechanics of this skill. By means of a motion capture system, we aimed to quantitatively investigate the determinants of effective dribbling skill in a group of 10 Under-13 sub-elite players, divided by the median-split technique according to their dribbling test time (faster and slower groups). Foot-ball contacts cadence, centre of mass (CoM), ranges of motion (RoM), velocity and acceleration, as well as stride length, cadence and variability were computed. Hip and knee joint RoMs were also considered. Faster players, as compared to slower players, showed a 30% higher foot-ball cadence (3.0 ± 0.1 vs. 2.3 ± 0.2 contacts · s−1, P < 0.01); reduced CoM mediolateral (0.91 ± 0.05 vs. 1.14 ± 0.16 m, P < 0.05) and vertical (0.19 ± 0.01 vs. 0.25 ± 0.03 m, P < 0.05) RoMs; higher right stride cadence (+20%, P < 0.05) with lower variability (P < 0.05); reduced hip and knee flexion RoMs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, faster players are able to run with the ball through a shorter path in a more economical way. To effectively develop dribbling skill, coaches are encouraged to design specific practices where high stride frequency and narrow run trajectories are required.
EXHI-bit: a mechanical structure for prototyping EXpandable handheld interfaces

We present EXHI-bit, a mechanical structure for prototyping unique shape-changing interfaces that can be easily built in a fabrication laboratory. EXHI-bit surfaces consist of inter-weaving units that slide in two dimensions. This assembly enables the creation of unique expandable handheld surfaces with continuous transitions while maintaining the surface flat, rigid, and non-porous. EXHI-bit surfaces can be combined to create 2D and 3D multi-surface objects. In this paper, we demonstrate the versatility and generality of EXHI-bit with user-deformed and self-actuated 1D, 2D, and 3D prototypes employed in an architectural urban planning scenario. We also present vision on the use of expandable tablets in our everyday life from 10 users after having interacted with an EXHI-bit tablet.
Chemical Fingerprint and Multicomponent Quantitative Analysis for the Quality Evaluation of Cyclocarya paliurus Leaves by HPLC–Q–TOF–MS

Cyclocarya paliurus is an edible and medicinal plant containing various bioactive components with significant health benefits. A combinative method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint and quantitative analysis was developed and successfully applied for characterization and quality evaluation of C. paliurus leaves collected from 18 geographical locations of China. For the fingerprint analysis, 21 common peaks were observed among the 18 samples, and these peaks were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC–Q–TOF–MS), while a simultaneous quantification of 16 markers was conducted to interpret the variations of contents of these bioactive compounds among the C. paliurus leaves from different geographical locations. Quantification results showed that the contents of these sixteen investigated compounds varied greatly among the leaves from different locations. The developed new method would be a valuable reference for further study and development of this bioactive plant.
Exchange Rate Shocks and Firm Competitiveness in a Small, Export-Oriented Economy: The Case of Finland

This study empirically examines how exchange rate shocks affect firms’ competitiveness in the small, export-oriented country of Finland. Specifically, using Sweden as a benchmark and controlling for cross-country sector and industry effects, the forex competition hypothesis is tested using the impact of exchange rate shocks on Finnish stock returns. The empirical tests reveal statistically significant exchange rate exposure of Finnish stock returns. Comparing pre- versus post-euro periods, equities’ exchange rate exposure is much stronger after the introduction of the euro. Further results indicate that Finnish and Swedish sector and industry stock returns positively co-move. This implies market integration in contradiction to the forex competition hypothesis. However, for some sectors and industries interaction variables reveal that the co-movement is conditional on exchange rate movements, especially in the post-euro period.