Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competitive Advantages of a Firm without Fundamental Technology: A Case Study of Sony, Casio and Nintendo

A purpose of this study is to examine how a firm without fundamental technology is able to gain the competitive advantage. This paper examines three case studies, Sony in the flat display TV industry, Casio in the digital camera industry and Nintendo in the home game machine industry. This paper maintain the firms without fundamental technology construct two advantages, economic advantage and organizational advantage. An economic advantage involves the firm can select either high-tech or cheap devices out of several device makers, and change the alternatives cheaply and quickly. In addition, organizational advantage means that a firm without fundamental technology is not restricted by organizational inertia and cognitive restraints, and exercises the characteristic of strength. Keywords—Firm without fundamental technology, economic advantage, organizational advantage, Sony, Casio, Nintendo.
Non-local methods for filtering interferometric SAR datasets

Multipass DInSAR processing is a well established technique that allows accurate 3D reconstruction and monitoring of the Earth surface. Many multipass techniques, such as the Small Baseline Subset approach, carry out a spatial multilooking of interferograms to counteract the decorrelation effects and the thermal noise and, also, to reduce computational complexity through spatial subsampling, thus enabling large scale (even full frame) analysis. Multilooking, however, degrades the spatial resolution w.r. t the original full resolution SAR product and therefore does not preserve contours of structures and in general boundaries of areas characterized by different backscattering. In this paper we propose the use of more sophisticated non-local filtering algorithms for the implementation of the interferometric multilook operation to guarantee the same noise rejection power of multilooking, while preserving high-resolution detail. Different strategies are considered and discussed for the selection of the best predictor pixels. Results on real data acquired by the ENVISAT mission demonstrate the good performance of the proposed nonlocal filtering methods.
The Mortgage Renegotiation Option and Strategic Default

We argue that lenders and policy makers might help mitigate the credit risk associated with strategic default by US residential homeowners by better understanding characteristics of the strategic negotiation option. We extend the commonly valued default and prepayment mortgage option by proposing and developing a strategic renegotiation option, which is related to the more commonly known strategic default option, where we assume an instantaneous renegotiation between portfolio lender and a US residential mortgage borrower triggered by a declining collateral asset value. We model those negotiations by considering and sharing future unavoidable foreclosure costs in a Nash bargaining game. We derive closed form solutions for the optimal mortgage loan terms, such as LTV and coupon payment, offered by the portfolio lender to a residential borrower with a strategic default option. We then compare the optimal exercise moment, in terms of the borrower’s book LTV, of the strategic negotiation option to the exercise of a conventional default option for borrowers with heterogeneous expectations. We show that the ability of either party to negotiate a larger share of unavoidable foreclosure costs in one’s favour has a significant influence on the timing of the optimal ex post default decision.
Environmentally Friendly Technologies For The Pulp And Paper Industry

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HIPEC ROC I: A phase i study of cisplatin administered as hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemoperfusion followed by postoperative intravenous platinum‐based chemotherapy in patients with platinum‐sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer

This phase I study tested the safety, feasibility, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cisplatin administered as hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) in patients with platinum‐sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) undergoing secondary cytoreductive surgery followed by postoperative platinum‐based intravenous chemotherapy. Twelve patients with operable, recurrent platinum‐sensitive EOC (recurrence ≥6 months after first‐line therapy) were included according to the classical 3+3 dose‐escalation design at three dose levels—60, 80 and 100 mg/m2. After surgical cytoreduction, a single dose of cisplatin was administered via HIPEC for 90 min at 41–43°C. Postoperatively, all patients were treated with standard intravenous platinum‐based combination chemotherapy. One of six patients experienced a dose‐limiting toxicity (grade 3 renal toxicity) at a dose of 100 mg/m2. The remaining five patients treated with 100 mg/m2 tolerated their treatment well. The recommended phase II dose was established at 100 mg/m2. The mean peritoneal‐to‐plasma AUC ratio was 19·5 at the highest dose level. Cisplatin‐induced DNA adducts were confirmed in tumor samples. Common postoperative grade 1–3 toxicities included fatigue, postoperative pain, nausea, and surgical site infection. The ability to administer standard intravenous platinum‐based chemotherapy after HIPEC was uncompromised. Cisplatin administered as HIPEC at a dose of 100 mg/m2 has an acceptable safety profile in selected patients undergoing secondary cytoreductive surgery for platinum‐sensitive recurrent EOC. Favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of HIPEC with cisplatin were confirmed at all dose levels, especially at 100 mg/m2. The results are encouraging to determine the efficacy of HIPEC as a complementary treatment in patients with EOC.
Nonhematopoietic Expression of Janus Kinase 3 Is Required for Efficient Recruitment of Th2 Lymphocytes and Eosinophils in OVA-Induced Airway Inflammation1

Tyrosine kinases of the Janus kinase (Jak) family transduce signals from the type I and type II cytokine receptors. Jak3 is unique in this family because its expression must be induced and is predominantly limited to cells of the lymphoid and myeloid lineages. Deficient expression of Jak3 interferes with normal development and function of T, B, and NK cells. Using irradiated Jak3-deficient (Jak3−/−) mice reconstituted with normal bone marrow (Jak3−/− chimeric mice), we have investigated possible actions of Jak3 outside of the hematopoietic system. We show that efficient recruitment of inflammatory cells to the airways of OVA-sensitized mice challenged with aerosolized OVA requires the expression of Jak3 in radioresistant nonhematopoietic cells. Failure to develop eosinophil-predominant airway inflammation in Jak3−/− chimeric mice is not due to failure of T cell sensitization, because Jak3−/− chimeric mice showed delayed-type hypersensitivity responses indistinguishable from wild-type chimeric mice. Jak3−/− chimeric mice, however, express less endothelial-associated VCAM-1 after airway Ag challenge. Given the key role of VCAM-1 in recruitment of Th2 cells and eosinophils, our data suggest that Jak3 in airway-associated endothelial cells is required for the expression of eosinophilic airway inflammation. This requirement for nonhematopoietic expression of Jak3 represents the first demonstration of a physiological function of Jak3 outside of the lymphoid lineages.
An Analytical Approach to Incremental Floorplanning

Incremental modification and optimization is of crucial importance in order to cope with the complex design with the merging of VLSI design phases and facilitate concurrent optimization. To handle the incremental floorplanning efficiently, we propose an analytical method in this paper based on a mixed integer linear programming model. Our method supports incremental changes on an existing floorplan and can find an optimal solution with some design constraints. Different with traditional heuristic methods, our algorithm can incorporate metrics into mixed linear programming constraints conveniently and easily. Experiments on MCNC benchmarks show the effectiveness of our approach. Furthermore, our method can also provide other tools with good physical estimates and other performance guidelines.
Variety in Performance: A comparative Analysis of Recorded Performances of Bach's Sixth Suite for Solo Cello from 1961 to 1998

There exists a commonly held belief amongst musicologists that there has been a ―general globalisation of styles‖ within recorded performances of the latter half of the twentieth century. For many, this is evidenced by an increased interaction between mainstream (MS) and historically informed performance (HIP) practices as well as a general decrease in the diversity of performances. Through a comparative aural and software-assisted analysis and measurement of performance features such as tempo, rhythmic flexibility, vibrato, portamento, bowing, and articulation in key interpretations of Bach's Suite No. 6 for Solo Cello recorded in between 1961 and 1998, this study investigates the relationship between MS and HIP performances in the latter half of the 20 th century. By limiting analyses to those performers who have made two recordings during the designated period (Tortelier, Starker, Bylsma, Ma, Wispelwey), it has been possible to identify overarching trends and individual differences. These have been examined with reference to their broader social and cultural context in order to test commonly held musicological assumptions about the modernist and postmodernist foundations of performances from this era. The results indicate that by the 1990s increased interaction between MS and HIP practices has resulted in a wider variety of differing performances and that this can be seen to be symptomatic of the postmodern condition that has become prevalent since the last decade of the 20 th century.
Final report: measurement of human muscle stiffness and its application to effective human-robot interface design

The ultimate goal of this research was to establish a method to effectively adjust the control scheme of a robotic assist device based on arm stiffness measurements of an operator. This controller was expected to achieve higher performance in assist devices than other methods such as fixed gain controllers. The necessary steps for this were 1) to develop a wearable device for the measurement of biosignals related to muscle activity level such as electromyogram (EMG) as well as a haptic feedback device to be used in testing, 2) to develop a method to extract the changes in muscle stiffness from biosignals, 3) to develop a method to adjust the controller gains of a lift device based on the muscle stiffness information, and 4) to investigate the association between human stiffness and system performance limit. The results could be used to design and control various human-machine interfaces in assembly lines. Investigation of key human characteristics and their role in machine controls would lead to achieving effective ∗Shinohara is with the School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA †Gallagher, McPherson, Huggins, & Ueda are with the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 30332, GA, USA
Angiotensin II inhibition increases cellular glucose transport during reperfusion but not ischemia in pig hearts

Objective --To study whether ACE inhibition and AT-II receptor blockade modulates myocardial glucose uptake during ischemia and reperfusion. Design --We developed a method for in vivo sampling of large trans -myocardial tissue samples from beating pig hearts and in vitro measurement of sarcolemmal glucose transport, in a series of experiments in which hearts were exposed to stimuli (glucose-insulin and pacing) known to promote cellular glucose transport. In the subsequent study we compared three experimental groups: (i) ACE inhibition (ACE-I, n r = r 6): increasing oral doses of benazepril up to 40 r mg daily for 3 weeks, (ii) angiotensin II receptor antagonist (AT II-A, n r = r 7): increasing oral doses of valsartan up to 320 r mg for 3 weeks, (iii) control ( n r = r 7). Samples were harvested at baseline, following 20 r min of regional ischemia, and following 5 and 15 r min of reperfusion. The samples were incubated with 3-O-methylglucose (MeGlu), and cellular MeGlu uptake was measured. Results --Insulin-glucose, pacing, and ischemia increased cellular MeGlu transport two- to fourfold ( p r < r 0.001). Cellular MeGlu transport was increased in ACE-I and AT II-A animals during reperfusion ( p r < r 0.001), but not at baseline or during ischemia, compared with controls. Conclusion --Enhanced capacity for glucose transport during reperfusion may be a mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of ACE inhibition and AT II-antagonism in ischemic heart disease.
Kir6.2 is required for adaptation to stress

Reaction to stress requires feedback adaptation of cellular functions to secure a response without distress, but the molecular order of this process is only partially understood. Here, we report a previously unrecognized regulatory element in the general adaptation syndrome. Kir6.2, the ion-conducting subunit of the metabolically responsive ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel, was mandatory for optimal adaptation capacity under stress. Genetic deletion of Kir6.2 disrupted KATP channel-dependent adjustment of membrane excitability and calcium handling, compromising the enhancement of cardiac performance driven by sympathetic stimulation, a key mediator of the adaptation response. In the absence of Kir6.2, vigorous sympathetic challenge caused arrhythmia and sudden death, preventable by calcium-channel blockade. Thus, this vital function identifies a physiological role for KATP channels in the heart.
Enhanced sulfide removal and bioelectricity generation in microbial fuel cells with anodes modified by vertically oriented nanosheets

ABSTRACT Anode materials and structures are of critical importance for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) recovering energy from toxic substrates. Carbon-fiber-felt anodes modified by layers of vertically oriented TiO2 and Fe2O3 nanosheets were applied in the present study. Enhanced sulfide removal efficiencies (both over 90%) were obtained after a 48-h operation, with maximum power densities improved by 1.53 and 1.36 folds compared with MFCs with raw carbon-fiber-felt anode. The modified anodes provided more active sites for microbial adhesion with increasing biomass densities. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis also indicated the increase in microbial diversities. Bacteroidetes responsible for bioelectricity generation with Thiobacillus and Spirochaeta dominating sulfide removal were found in the MFCs with the modified anodes, with less anaerobic fermentative bacteria as Firmicutes appeared. This indicates that the proposed materials are competitive for applications of MFCs generating bioelectricity from toxic sulfide.
Part 1: Size-independent quantification of ligand binding site depth in receptor proteins. Part 2: Representing rod-shaped protein 3d structures in cylindrical coordinates

FOR PART 1: We have developed a web server that implements the two complementary methods to quantify the depth of ligand and/or ligand binding site (LBS) in a protein-ligand complex. The two methods are the ‘secant plane’ (SP) and the ‘tangent sphere’ (TS) methods. In the SP and TS methods, the protein molecular centroid (global centroid, GC), and the LBS centroid (local centroid, LC) are first determined. The SP is defined as the plane passing through the LBS centroid and normal to the line passing through the LC and the protein molecular centroid. The “exterior side” of the SP is the side opposite GC. The TS is defined as the sphere with center at GC and tangent to the SP at LC. The percentage of protein atoms (a.) inside the TS (TSi) and (b.) on the exterior side of the SP (SPi), are two complementary measures of ligand or LBS depth. The SPi is directly proportional to LBS depth while the TSi is inversely proportional to LBS depth. We tested the SP and TS methods using a test set of 67 well characterized protein-ligand structures (Laskowski, et al. 1996), as well as the theoretical case of an artificial protein in the form of a cubic lattice grid of points in the overall shape of a sphere and in which LBS of any depth can be specified. Results from both the SP and TS methods agree very well with reported data (Laskowski, et al. 1996), and results from the theoretical case further confirm that both methods are suitable measures of ligand burial or LBS depth. There are two modes by which one can utilize our web server. In the first mode we term the ‘ligand mode’, the user inputs the PDB structure coordinates of the protein as well as those of its ligand (one ligand at a time if there is more than one). The second mode, the ‘LBS mode’, is the same as the first except that the ligand coordinates are assumed to be unavailable; hence the user inputs what s/he believes to be the coordinates of the LBS amino acid residues. In
Athletics

Abstract In this study, we investigated the effects of inclined and raised flat boards on the take‐off motion of the long jump to determine the effectiveness of these boards as training tools. Eight male long jumpers were videotaped with two high‐speed video cameras (250 Hz) set perpendicular to the runway. Four different jumps were performed with in four conditions, all with their medium length run‐up: a long jump with their normal technique, long jumps on upward inclined boards of two different inclinations (25 and 5.0°), and a long jump on a raised flat board (0°, 50 mm). The raised flat board enhanced the pivot of the body over the takeoff foot, and reduced flexion of the take‐off leg knee. However, the inclined boards did not produce the same effects as the raised flat board. The use of the inclined boards increased the vertical velocity of the centre of mass of the body at toe‐off, resulting in increased airborne time. These results suggest that the raised flat board and inclined boards would be effective in improving long jumpers’ techniques during the take‐off and airborne phases.
Percutaneous computed tomography fluoroscopy-guided conformal ultrasonic ablation of vertebral tumors in a rabbit tumor model. Laboratory investigation.

OBJECT Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has proven to be effective for treatment of malignant and benign tumors in numerous anatomical sites outside the spine. The major challenge of using RFA for spinal tumors is difficulty protecting the spinal cord and nerves from damage. However, conforming ultrasound energy to match the exact anatomy of the tumor may provide successful ablation in such sensitive locations. In a rabbit model of vertebral body tumor, the authors have successfully ablated tumors using an acoustic ablator placed percutaneously via computed tomography fluoroscopic (CTF) guidance. METHODS Using CTF guidance, 12 adult male New Zealand White rabbits were injected with VX2 carcinoma cells in the lowest lumbar vertebral body. At 21 days, a bone biopsy needle was placed into the geographical center of the lesion, down which an acoustic ablator was inserted. Three multisensor thermocouple arrays were placed around the lesion to provide measurement of tissue temperature during ablation, at thermal doses ranging from 100 to 1,000,000 TEM (thermal equivalent minutes at 43°C), and tumor volumes were given a tumoricidal dose of acoustic energy. Animals were monitored for 24 hours and then sacrificed. Pathological specimens were obtained to determine the extent of tumor death and surrounding tissue damage. Measured temperature distributions were used to reconstruct volumetric doses of energy delivered to tumor tissue, and such data were correlated with pathological findings. RESULTS All rabbits were successfully implanted with VX2 cells, leading to a grossly apparent spinal and paraspinal tissue mass. The CTF guidance provided accurate placement of the acoustic ablator in all tumors, as corroborated through gross and microscopic histology. Significant tumor death was noted in all specimens without collateral damage to nearby nerve tissue. Tissue destruction just beyond the margin of the tumor was noted in some but not all specimens. No neurological deficits occurred in response to ablation. Reconstruction of measured temperature data allowed accurate assessment of volumetric dose delivered to tissues. CONCLUSIONS Using a rabbit intravertebral tumor model, the authors have successfully delivered tumoricidal doses of acoustic energy via a therapeutic ultrasound ablation probe placed percutaneously with CTF guidance. The authors have thus established the first technical and preclinical feasibility study of controlled ultrasound ablation of spinal tumors in vivo.
MMPE-SI/TI (Gov) - Modelo de maturidade para planejamento estratégico de SI/TI direcionado às organizações governamentais brasileiras baseado em melhores práticas

The number of organizations, small, medium or large, public or private that develop a strategic IS/IT (Information Systems/Information Technology) planning process is increasing gradually in Brazil. As the demand for new methodologies grow, models and processes that help these organizations understand the benefits of using these mechanisms to improve their business, it becomes necessary to evaluate the maturity level of their organizational processes, especially those related to IS/IT. Given the dynamism and complexity of business, with each passing day, organizations are trying to use more robust IS/IT that facilitate planning, control and implementation of their projects to allow strategies to turn into actions that can increase chances of success of these projects. This thesis proposes a model to assess the maturity level of the strategic IS/IT planning of Brazilian governmental organizations, named MMPE-SI/TI (Gov). It was designed in accordance with the main models and standards used for national and international definition and assessment of processes and consist of a reference model (RM), an assessment method (AM) and a database of best practices (DBP) set to assist in the development of the organization improvements plan. The definition of the model involved several steps, including: systematic review, conducting exploratory case studies, organizing a set of best practices, validation with experts from IS/IT area, analyzing and interpreting data and improvements recommendation. The MMPE-SI/TI (Gov) model has 5 maturity levels, 6 capacity levels, 16 processes and 124 best practices for strategic IS/IT planning directed to Brazilian governmental organizations.
A Study of Some of the Factors Determining the Choice of International Restaurants by Bangkokians

This research aims to explore some of the demographic and social characteristics that influence Bangkokians’ choice of international restaurants and to assess the level of importance of these factors. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed in seven restaurants in Bangkok, each representing a particular kind of cuisine. The research was conducted between August and November, 2010. The results reveal that reputation, location and parking facilities, cuisine, and SERQUAL are important to those patronizing these restaurants. Among these four factors, SERQUAL or service quality turns out to be the most important one. Moreover, people with different demographic and social characteristics perceived these factors differently.