Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Obstructive uropathy in the mouse: role of osteopontin in interstitial fibrosis and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND Osteopontin is a macrophage adhesive protein that is expressed by renal tubules in tubulointerstitial disease. METHODS To investigate the function of OPN, we induced tubulointerstitial disease in OPN null mutant (OPN-/-) and wild-type (OPN+/+) mice by unilateral ureteral ligation. Tissue was analyzed for macrophages (ED-1), types I and IV collagen deposition, TGF-beta expression, and for tubular and interstitial cell apoptosis. RESULTS Obstructed kidneys from both OPN-/- and OPN+/+ mice developed hydronephrosis, tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. OPN was absent in OPN-/- kidneys but was increased in obstructed OPN+/+ kidneys. Macrophage influx, measured by computer-assisted quantitative immunostaining, was less in OPN-/- mice compared to OPN+/+ mice at day 4 (threefold, P < 0.02), day 7 (fivefold, P < 0.02), but not at day 14. Interstitial deposition of types I and IV collagen were also two- to fourfold less in obstructed OPN-/- kidneys (P < 0.02). There was also a reduction of TGF-beta mRNA expression in the interstitium at day 7 (by in situ hybridization) and a near significant 34% reduction in cortical TGF-beta activity (P = 0.06) compared to obstructed OPN+/+ kidneys at day 14. Obstructed kidneys from OPN-/- mice also had more interstitial and tubular apoptotic cells (TUNEL assay) compared to obstructed OPN+/+ mice at all time points. The ability of OPN to act as a cell survival factor was also documented by showing that the apoptosis of serum-starved NRK52E renal epithelial cells was markedly enhanced in the presence of neutralizing anti-OPN antibody. CONCLUSION OPN mediates early interstitial macrophage influx and interstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction. OPN may also function as a survival factor for renal tubulointerstitial cells.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Antimycobacterial and Antiplasmodial Activities of Hirsutellide A and Its Analogues

Hirsutellide A is nature-derived cyclic hexadepsipeptide with reported antimycobacterial and antiplasmodial activities. To verify its structure, hirsutellide A was synthesized following a solution-phase peptide synthesis approach. A detailed analysis of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the synthesized compound revealed structural variation from what had been originally assigned for hirsutellide A, despite the use of identical building blocks. This variation occurred at the two allo-Ile moieties. To investigate the structure–activity relationship, the depsipeptide and peptide analogues of hirsutellide A were prepared and tested for antimycobacterial and antiplasmodial activities. The compounds displayed antiplasmodial potency against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 while showing weak or no activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. The drug-likeness of the series was assessed through in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiling, revealing systematic differences between the pharmacokinetic properties of cyclic hexapeptides and hexadepsipeptides.
An Agent for Optimizing Airline Ticket Purchasing (Extended Abstract)

Buying airline tickets is an ubiquitous task in which it is difficult for humans to minimize cost due to insufficient information. Even with historical data available for inspection (a recent addition to some travel reservation websites), it is difficult to assess how purchase timing translates into changes in expected cost. To address this problem, we introduce an agent which is able to optimize purchase timing on behalf of customers. We provide results that demonstrate the method can perform much closer to the optimal purchase policy than existing decision theoretic approaches for this domain.
An efficient approach for mining closed high utility itemsets and generators

ABSTRACT Mining closed high utility itemsets (CHUIs) serves as a compact and lossless representation of high utility itemsets (HUIs). CHUIs and their generators are useful in analytical and recommendation systems. In this paper, we introduce a lattice approach to extract CHUIs and their generators from a set of HUIs quickly. The experimental results show that mining CHUIs and their generators from a lattice of HUIs is efficient in both runtime and memory usage.
“Living the brand”: brand orientation in the business‐to‐business sector

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to design and test a model for the internal anchorage of a business‐to‐business brand via corporate brand orientation.Design/methodology/approach – Data from 261 usable responses to a questionnaire distributed in the German business‐to‐business sector, were applied to model estimation by the “soft modelling” partial‐least‐squares regression technique.Findings – The structure of the brand orientation model is supported by the results. The findings demonstrate the positive influence of brand orientation on market and economic performance. Smaller business‐to‐business companies exhibit lower levels of brand orientation than larger counterparts, to their strategic disadvantage. Line of business and management type had no influence on brand orientation in this survey.Practical implications – Business‐to‐business brand managers now have empirically‐based evidence for the benefits of intensive implementation of brand orientation. The associated four‐level conceptual model o.
A study on the Finnish R&D tax credit of the years 2013–2014

In this report, we analyze the Finnish R&D tax incentive scheme of the years 2013 and 2014. Under the scheme, firms were eligible for double corporate tax deduction incentive on labor expenses incurred for undertaking R&D activities. Our report consists of a literature review, an empirical analysis of the Finnish register data, and an internet survey. We find that the scheme failed to reach its anticipated impact. The deduction was claimed far less than expected, the actual tax loss being only 8 % of the expected tax loss. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that the R&D tax incentive failed to reach clear, blind spots in the current Finnish, mainly direct-subsidy-based innovation system. Although the scheme’s design does not allow an unambiguous analysis of its impact on the R&D expenditure, our tentative results suggests that its impact remained rather small. The previous, international literature shows that the R&D tax incentives have an increasing effect on the R&D expenditures, but the impact tends not to exceed the amount of the tax subsidy. Based on our results it is unlikely that even a better-designed R&D tax deduction scheme would bring great value-added to the current, Finnish innovation system.
Interaction, relationships and networks in business markets: an evolving perspective

Reviews the research work and conceptual development of the International Marketing and Purchasing (IMP) group into the nature of buyer‐seller relationships which has evolved during the past 20 years. The themes of interaction, relationships and networks encapsulate the major research thrusts of this group and underlie much of the contemporary academic research in Europe. Addresses these themes, which represent the major phases of challenging conceptual and empirical research with which the IMP group has been concerned since its inception in 1976. Aims to show the development process of the IMP research and to integrate some of its various themes and findings.
Are There “Natural” Market Structures?

This article shows that distributions of market shares in narrowly-defined product markets follow the same general pattern found in earlier studies of broad “industries” and in the economy as a whole. Typically, the structure of a market conforms to the semi-logarithmic distribution; this pattern is so pervasive as to suggest that it is a “natural” phenomenon. The nature of growth processes that lead to unequal distributions of size is explored, and evidence from the PIMS data base is used to test two key assumptions about business growth and its relationship to size.
OTDM-to-WDM Conversion Based on Time-to-Frequency Mapping by Time-Domain Optical Fourier Transformation

This paper reports on the utilization of the time-domain optical Fourier transformation (OFT) technique for serial-to-parallel conversion of optical time division multiplexed (OTDM) data tributaries into dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) channels. The OFT is implemented by using a dispersive medium followed by phase modulation; the latter being achieved by a four-wave mixing process with linearly chirped pump pulses. Both numerical and experimental investigations of the OTDM-to-WDM conversion technique are carried out. Experimental validations are performed on 320- and 640-Gbit/s OTDM data with error-free performance.
Innovative Issues and Approaches in Social Sciences

The paper attempts to integrate indicators of economic growth based on innovation, technology research, and knowledge with the indicators of quality of life. The research collected data at the macro-economic level from the Republic of Slovenia between 1990 and 2011 and empirically verified individual variables based on the quality of life and economic growth. The main purpose of the research was to conceptualize and empirically verify individual variables based on the quality of life and company success, using a sample of 288 economic companies at the micro-economic level. Their innovation–government mechanisms and innovation–innovative process show a strong correlation, while technology research, innovation, knowledge, and company’s success show a medium-strong correlation with the quality of life at the micro-economic level. Technology research, knowledge, and economic growth also show a strong correlation with the quality of life at the macro-economic level in the Republic of Slovenia. Company’s success and economic growth in the Republic of Slovenia have a positive effect on the quality of life. The scientific contribution is based on the application of the new QL-TRIK model that investigates how economic growth fuels quality of life through technology research, innovation, and knowledge.
Planck intermediate results : XLV . Radio spectra of northern extragalactic radio sources

Continuum spectra covering centimetre to submillimetre wavelengths are presented for a northern sample of 104 extragalactic radio sources, mainly active galactic nuclei, based on four-epoch Planck data. The nine Planck frequencies, from 30 to 857 GHz, are complemented by a set of simultaneous ground-based radio observations between 1.1 and 37 GHz. The single-survey Planck data confirm that the flattest high-frequency radio spectral indices are close to zero, indicating that the original accelerated electron energy spectrum is much harder than commonly thought, with power-law index around 1.5 instead of the canonical 2.5. The radio spectra peak at high frequencies and exhibit a variety of shapes. For a small set of low-z sources, we find a spectral upturn at high frequencies, indicating the presence of intrinsic cold dust. Variability can generally be approximated by achromatic variations, while sources with clear signatures of evolving shocks appear to be limited to the strongest outbursts.
Terahertz optical rectification from 〈110〉 zinc‐blende crystals

We report the study of optically induced terahertz (THz) electromagnetic radiation from 〈110〉 oriented zinc‐blende crystals. This work extends our previous studies of 〈100〉 and 〈111〉 GaAs. Excellent agreement between calculated results and experimental data indicates that, under conditions of moderate optical fluence and normal incidence on the unbiased sample, second‐order optical rectification is the major nonlinear process that generates THz radiation.
Toward creating competitive advantage with logistics information technology

Purpose – Successfully implementing and exploiting the right information technologies is critical to maintaining competitiveness in today's supply chain. However, simply adopting off‐the‐shelf technologies may not necessarily induce this competitiveness unless the organization combines these technologies with additional complimentary resources. This study draws on the logistics innovation literature, resource‐advantage theory, and the resource‐based view of the firm with the purpose of investigating performance outcomes of logistics information technology (LIT) adoption and the proposed moderating effect of a complimentary resource. The paper posits that combining LIT with positive buyer‐supplier relationships may set the stage for organizations to achieve competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approach – A meta‐analysis of 48 studies that report outcomes of EDI or RFID adoption was performed. Regression was used to investigate the moderating effect of the buyer‐supplier relationship on the relationship.
Opposing associations of serum n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids with colorectal adenoma risk: An endoscopy‐based case–control study

Several human and animal studies have shown that n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) might be associated with a decreased risk, whereas other studies showed that n‐6 PUFA may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, results from these studies are not consistent. We evaluated the associations between serum n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA levels and colorectal adenoma risk in an endoscopy‐based case–control study, conducted in The Netherlands between 1997 and 2002. We included 363 cases of colorectal adenomas and 498 adenoma‐free controls. Serum fatty acids were measured in cholesteryl esters. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR), which were adjusted for age, gender and alcohol intake. Total serum n‐3 PUFA levels were inversely associated with colorectal adenoma risk, the OR comparing the third tertile with the first tertile was 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.96, p for trend = 0.03]. Serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n‐3) and the n‐3/n‐6 ratio were inversely associated with colorectal adenoma risk, but these were not statistically significant. In contrast, the risk of colorectal adenomas was increased by total n‐6 PUFA with an OR of 1.68 (95% CI, 1.17–2.42, p for trend = 0.006) and by linoleic acid (LA; C18:2n‐6) with an OR of 1.65 (95% CI, 1.15–2.38, p for trend = 0.007). This is the first observational study that simultaneously finds an inverse association of serum n‐3 PUFA and a positive association of n‐6 PUFA with colorectal adenoma risk. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling and Characterization of Soft Magnetic Film Actuated 2-D Scanners

Magnetic behavior of polymer-based scanners is studied in detail with emphasis on a new magnetic actuator model and dc deflection experiments. A 30-mum-thick permalloy sheet is plated on a polymer cantilever scanner and actuated using an external coil. Mechanical and magnetic modeling of the device and experimental results are presented. Shape anisotropy of the thin, soft magnetic film is explored for push and pull operation in different configurations. A new magnetic actuator model is developed based on the distributed point-by-point calculation of the magnetostatic moments and forces across the film surface. This effort helps one to obtain generic equations for magnetic force and torque without limiting the use of the model to the case where magnetic material is assumed to be fully saturated. Two-dimensional (2-D) scanning utilizing the orthogonal modes of the scanner, using only one actuation coil is presented
A novel approach for attitude estimation using MEMS inertial sensors

In this paper a new method for attitude estimation using low-cost MEMS inertial sensors is developed, in order to obtain accurate attitude parameters when other external sensors such as magnetometer and GPS are limited in operation. The method is based on specific rotation of the inertial measurement unit independent from rigid body motion. An algorithm is developed by incorporating a nonlinear observer in order to fusing measurements from both the gyroscope and the accelerometers. The algorithm provides bias estimation of the gyroscope and better estimation results. Experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The effect of isoflurane on survival and myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the cardioprotective properties of isoflurane versus any comparator in terms of the rate of myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality. DESIGN Pertinent studies were searched independently in Biomed, Central, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of clinical trials. The primary endpoint was mortality at the longest follow-up available. SETTING A hospital. PARTICIPANTS Randomized controlled trials. INTERVENTION A meta-analysis of 37 trials. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The 37 included trials randomized 3,539 patients in cardiac (16 studies) and in noncardiac surgery (21 studies) with noninhalation comparators in 55% of trials. The overall analysis showed no difference in mortality between the isoflurane and control groups (16/1,602 [1.0%] v 23/1,937 [1.2%], odds ratios (OR) = 0.76 [0.39-1.47], p = 0.4 with 37 studies included) and no difference in the rate of myocardial infarction (3/1,312 [0.2%] v 1/1,532 [0.07%], OR = 2.03 [0.27-15.49], p = 0.5 with 30 studies included). Mortality was reduced in the isoflurane group when only studies with a low risk of bias were included in the analyses (0/540 [0%] v 5/703 [0.7%] in the control arm, OR = 0.13 [0.02-0.76], p = 0.02) with 4 cardiac and 6 noncardiac trials included and 5 noninhalation and 5 inhalation agents as the comparator. A trend was noted when a subanalysis was performed with propofol as a comparator (1/544 [0.2%] v 6/546 [1.1%], p = 0.05, with 16 studies included). CONCLUSIONS Isoflurane reduced mortality in high-quality studies and showed a trend toward a reduction in mortality when it was compared with propofol. No differences in the rates of overall mortality and myocardial infarction were noted.
Institutional Arrangements for the Promotion of Regional Integration of Electricity Markets: International Experience

This paper focuses on the institutional arrangements needed for facilitating regional electricity cooperation. The paper begins by discussing the theory of international trade cooperation in electricity, with a view to discussing what preconditions might be important in facilitating wide area trading across national borders. It then discusses two sets of case studies. The first set focuses on three regional developing country power pools -- the Southern African Power Pool, the West African Power Pool, and the Central American Power Market. The second set focuses on three regional power pools in more developed countries -- one in the United States, the Single Electricity Market in Ireland, and the South East Europe market. These cases highlight the potential and difficulty of having cross-jurisdictional power pools. In the light of the theory and evidence presented, key lessons are drawn in the areas of preconditions for trading, necessary institutional arrangements, practicalities of timetabling, reasons to be hopeful about future prospects, and suggestions for future research.
Cloning, sequencing, and expression of a gene from Campylobacter jejuni encoding a protein (Omp18) with similarity to peptidoglycan-associated lipoproteins

A Campylobacter jejuni genomic plasmid library was screened with antiserum generated against whole C. jejuni, revealing two immunoreactive clones. Sequence analysis of the recombinant plasmids revealed a common open reading frame of 498 nucleotides encoding a protein of 165 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 18,018 Da. The recombinant product partitioned to the outer membrane fractions of Escherichia coli transformants and has been designated Omp18. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cloned C. jejuni gene exhibits considerable similarity to peptidoglycan-associated lipoproteins from other gram-negative bacteria.
Cause related marketing - commercialism or altruism: Finding the balance?

The objective of this paper is to describe a framework of questions that may provide guidance as to whether a company (i.e., a for-profit organisation) should engage in Cause Related Marketing (CRM) or not. CRM is an intriguing concept in which one finds a cause and intertwines one's marketing push to sell both the cause and one's products. The reality is that some companies do focus solely on the profit returns from socially responsible ventures and others do not, therefore, a framework of questions are provided that may guide companies as to whether to pursue a CRM relationship with a non-profit organisation (i.e., the cause).
Efficient Multi-core AUTOSAR-Platform Based on an Input/Output Gateway Core

The AUTOSAR standard provides support for multicore systems since version 4. However, this AUTOSAR multicore version focuses on inter-core communication with a shared memory approach. In contrast, the paradigm of message-based network-on-chips provides multiples advantages for real-time embedded systems such as automotive electronics including better temporal predictability, fault containment and energy efficiency. In this paper we propose an efficient multicore architecture for AUTOSAR based on time-triggered network-on-chips and dedicated input/output cores. Additionally, a health monitoring service is integrated into the AUTOSAR ECU architecture in order to provide recovery actions in case of failures of the automotive application or the hardware of a specific core in the multiprocessor. The results demonstrate how the operating system overhead decreases considerably when using the defined input/output cores that serve as hardware accelerators for the AUTOSAR software. Also, the reliability of the system is improved significantly due to the implemented health monitoring service.
Nursing Care In The Hemodialysis Room: Integrative Review

Objectives: To identify in the literature the nursing care in the hemodialysis room, as well as to evaluate the patient needs in the hemodialysis treatment. Method: Bibliographic study of descriptive origin with exploratory investigation. The search was carried out at the bases: Scielo, Bireme and Google academic, from 2010 to 2016, using the descriptors: nursing, care, hemodialysis. Results: Forty-eight articles were found and the final sample comprised 16. It was noticed that the nursing care in the hemodialysis room is very important for the safety and protection of the patients, who during the session should be observed, due to the risks that it offers. It is understood that the patient's need in hemodialytic treatment is to undergo various restrictions and be accompanied by a multidisciplinary team always aiming at the comfort and safety of the patient. Conclusion: Therefore the changes that exist in the life of the chronic renal patient are several, such as fear of death, feel excluded from living with friends, gain weight because the body can not excrete toxins and liquids, and are indefinitely imprisoned to the dialysis machine.
Digital Halftoning through Approximate Optimization of Scale-Related Perceived Error Metric

SUMMARY This work presents an approximate global optimization method for image halftone by fusing multi-scale information of the tree model. We employ Gaussian mixture model and hidden Markov tree to characterized the intra-scale clustering and inter-scale persistence properties of the detailed coe ﬃ cients, respectively. The model of multiscale perceived error metric and the theory of scale-related perceived error metric are used to fuse the statistical distribution of the error metric of the scale of clustering and cross-scale persistence. An Energy function is then generated. Through energy minimization via graph cuts, we gain the halftone image. In the related experiment, we demonstrate the superior performance of this new algorithm when compared with several algorithms and quantitative evaluation.