Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of submarket concentration in the US pharmaceutical industry in 1987-1998

Global market concentration is the result of the interplay of different sub-markets. According to this view, empirical analysis on the role of concentration as an incentive or as a barrier to entry must be conducted on a sub-market level, where the sub-markets are identified as specific technological trajectories. In this paper we investigate the role of 3-digit submarket concentration in the US pharmaceutical sector in 1987-1998. We take into account several sources of potential entry deterrence including the relative company size to the largest incumbent firm and the number of competing products in each submarket. The estimates of a panel logit model show that a concentrated industry at submarket level seems to act like a barrier to entry. The relative company size is not significant while the number of competing products is significantly positive.
Childhood maltreatment and inflammation among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A pilot study

Background Women with childhood maltreatment histories are at increased risk for adverse birth outcomes. Mechanisms explaining this link are poorly understood. Past research is limited by sampling pregnant women at low risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods This pilot study was a secondary data analysis of 24 women with gestational diabetes mellitus; 17% of the sample also reported a maltreatment history. Women provided a blood sample to measure inflammatory cytokines and insulin resistance, and saliva samples to measure diurnal cortisol. Birth outcomes for past and current pregnancies were recorded. Results Histories of maltreatment were associated with elevated interleukin-15 and a marginally greater incidence of preterm delivery in current and past pregnancies. Conclusions This pilot study was the first to demonstrate an association between childhood maltreatment history and inflammatory cytokine levels in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Teachers' developing ‘practical theories’ of the contribution of information and communication technologies to subject teaching and learning: an analysis of cases from English secondary schools

This article examines teachers' ‘practical theories’ concerning the contribution of information and communications technology (ICT) to teaching and learning, as they are elaborated and refined in action. The study arose from a collaborative programme of 10 small‐scale projects through which participating teacher‐researchers aimed to develop a range of pedagogic strategies involving the use of computer‐based ICTs within their subject areas (Classics, English, Geography, History, Science and Design Technology). Within‐ and cross‐case analyses drew on multiple sources of data and characterised teachers' initial statements of practical theory in terms of five key themes: broadening classroom resources and reference; enhancing working processes and products; fostering more independent pupil activity; mediating subject thinking and learning; and improving pupil motivation towards lessons. Three cases are presented to illustrate how teachers developed their ideas in action, and issues that prompted teachers acro.
Herbs, vitamins and minerals in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND As many women experiencing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) seek relief from natural products (NP), health care providers should have quality information available to aid women in making evidence-based decisions regarding use of these products. OBJECTIVE To identify herbs, vitamins and minerals advocated for the treatment of PMS and/or PMDD and to systematically review evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine their efficacy in reducing severity of PMS/PMDD symptoms. METHODS Searches were conducted from inception to April 2008 in Clinical Evidence, The Cochrane Library, Embase, IBID, IPA, Mayoclinic, Medscape, MEDLINE Plus, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database and the Internet to identify RCTs of herbs, vitamins or minerals advocated for PMS. Bibliographies of articles were also examined. Included studies were published in English or French. Studies were excluded if patient satisfaction was the sole outcome measure or if the comparator was not placebo or recognized therapy. RESULTS Sixty-two herbs, vitamins and minerals were identified for which claims of benefit for PMS were made, with RCT evidence found for only 10. Heterogeneity of length of trials, specific products and doses, and outcome measures precluded meta-analysis for any NP. Data supports the use of calcium for PMS, and suggests that chasteberry and vitamin B6 may be effective. Preliminary data shows some benefit with ginkgo, magnesium pyrrolidone, saffron, St. John's Wort, soy and vitamin E. No evidence of benefit with evening primrose oil or magnesium oxide was found. CONCLUSION Only calcium had good quality evidence to support its use in PMS. Further research is needed, using RCTs of adequate length, sufficient sample size, well-characterized products and measuring the effect on severity of individual PMS symptoms.
Regulatory variations in the era of next‐generation sequencing: Implications for clinical molecular diagnostics

With the successful identification of many protein‐coding genes, the focus has now shifted toward deciphering functions of non‐protein‐coding regions that direct spatiotemporal and quantitative aspects of protein expression. Recent advances in our understanding of the regulatory architecture of the human genome coincide with growing evidence that changes in regulatory sequences are associated with human disease. Several recent reviews have highlighted disease‐causing potential of aberrations in transcriptional and splicing regulatory elements as well as non‐protein‐coding RNA. Although changes in regulatory sequences generally produce milder biological effects than their protein‐coding counterparts, many act as independent risk factors for common complex disorders or as genetic modifiers for “primary” disease‐causing loci. Here, we review bioinformatics and experimental approaches that are used to identify regulatory sequences and assess pathogenicity of regulatory changes. We describe the current state of knowledge on disease‐causing changes in regulatory sequences, challenge protein‐centric views, and discuss complexities and solutions pertaining to the interpretation of regulatory changes in the next‐generation sequencing era. Hum Mutat 33:1021–1030, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal exposure to methotrexate and birth defects: A population‐based study

Methotrexate is an anti‐folate medication that is associated with increased risk of multiple birth defects. Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a case‐control study of major birth defects in the United States, we examined mothers exposed to methotrexate. The study population included mothers of live‐born infants without major birth defects (controls) and mothers of fetuses or infants with a major birth defect (cases), with expected dates of delivery between October 1997 and December 2009. Mothers of cases and controls were asked detailed questions concerning pregnancy history, demographic information, and exposures in a telephone interview. Approximately 0.06% (n = 16/27,623) of case and 0.04% (n = 4/10,113) of control mothers reported exposure to methotrexate between 3 months prior to conception through the end of pregnancy. Of the 16 case infants, 11 (68.8%) had a congenital heart defect (CHD). The observed CHDs included atrial septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, valvar pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defects (VSDs), and total anomalous pulmonary venous return. One case infant had microtia in addition to a VSD and another had VACTER association. Exposed cases without a CHD had one of the following birth defects: cleft palate, hypospadias, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or craniosynostosis. Based on a limited number of methotrexate‐exposed mothers, our findings support recent case reports suggesting an association between early pregnancy exposure to methotrexate and CHDs. Because of the rarity of maternal periconceptional exposure to methotrexate, long‐term, population‐based case‐control studies are needed to confirm these findings and better evaluate the association between methotrexate and birth defects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adenocarcinoma of Barrett’s esophagus in a dog

An endoscopic examination revealed a mass in the distal esophagus of a 9-year-old intact male bulldog. Histopathologically, the mass was composed of cuboidal to columnar neoplastic epithelial cells and extended from the squamous epithelium of the esophageal mucosa, indicating that the tumor was derived from Barrett’s esophagus. Moreover, highly atypical foci that exhibited a cribriform pattern and high mitotic indices were also observed. The epithelial cells on the surface of the lesion often produced mucus that was positive for Alcian blue and immunohistochemically positive for MUC5AC. The neoplastic epithelial cells were diffusely positive for cytokeratin 7 and p53, and occasionally positive for cytokeratin 20. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma. This report describes the clinical and pathological features of a spontaneous case of adenocarcinoma of Barrett’s esophagus in a dog.
Experimental Rotary Transformers For Antenna Power Supplies and Control [Antenna Designer's Notebook]

Rotary transformers can be effectively used for low-noise amplifier (LNA) or down-converter power supply and control signal transmission in scanning-antenna applications. Three air-core designs, utilizing a square wave at audio frequencies, using HCMOS logic and giving a 5 V/0.6 A dc power feed, are discussed. The constructions allow further installation of RF rotary joints or other coaxial hardware up to a diameter of 100 mm. They add about 30 to 80 mm to the overall height of the antenna, depending on application and requirements. Bearing replacement with such a transformer is also possible, if adequate tolerances are met and suitable coil-support materials are selected.
Stationary Mean Field Games Systems Defined on Networks

We consider a stationary Mean Field Games system defined on a network. In this framework, the transition conditions at the vertices play a crucial role: the ones here considered are based on the optimal control interpretation of the problem. We prove separately the well-posedness for each of the two equations composing the system. Finally, we prove existence and uniqueness of the solution of the Mean Field Games system.
Fluorescence lifetime three-dimensional microscopy with picosecond precision using a multifocal multiphoton microscope

The combination of pulsed-mode excitation multifocal multiphoton microscopy with a high-repetition, time-gated intensified CCD camera enables efficient three-dimensional ~3D! fluorescence lifetime imaging. With a 200-ps gate opening at 76 MHz repetition rate, fluorescence decay can be traced in a sequence of images with varying delays between pulse and gate. Fluorophore lifetimes are measured with a precision of a few picoseconds. As an application we show that, upon two-photon excitation at 800 nm, certain pollen samples feature a multiexponential fluorescence relaxation. Our results indicate that efficient four-dimensional microscopy with hundreds of nanometer spatial and tens of picoseconds temporal resolution is within reach. © 1998 American Institute of Physics. @S0003-6951 ~98! 01139-5#
Does Auditor Objectivity Impact on the Relationship Between Information Technology and Efficiency and Effectiveness of Auditing: Evidence from Iraq

This work aims to determine the effect of information technology on effectiveness and efficiency of auditors in the context of non-profit organizations in Iraq. Also to investigate the mediating influence on the relationship between information technology and the audit processâ€™ effectiveness and efficiency. The study framework was based on those reported in literature pertaining to the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The target population in this work are auditors of Iraqi non-profit organizations. 354 questionnaires were sent to the participants, however, only 262 were returned and deemed applicable for this work, which culminates in a 74.3 percent response rate. SPSS (Statistical Package of Social Science) version 24 was utilized to examine the research model. The data were processed using many statistical techniques, such as (Descriptive Statistics, Correlations Analysis and Multiple Regressions). The study found that there is a significant influence on the auditorsâ€™ objectivity due to their role as a mediator on the relationship between IT and auditing non-profit organizations. The findings also confirmed that the auditors are required to upgrade their knowledge vis-A -vis computerized information systems to plan, direct, supervise, and review the performed tasks. The implications of these findings in this work are significant for managers and auditors, while also providing insights and encouraging evaluation of computerized accounting systems.
To provision or not to provision

Banks’ provisioning practices have come under increased scrutiny over recent years from accounting and taxation authorities and from financial supervisors. In part, this scrutiny reflects the important role that provisioning for loan losses plays in enhancing the transparency of banks’ balance sheets and the impact it has on the volatility and cyclicality of bank profits. Moreover, proposed reforms to the Basel Capital Accord have served to focus attention on the respective roles of provisions and capital in protecting a bank from credit losses. This growing interest is evident in a number of recent policy proposals and initiatives. These include: the development of an International Accounting Standard that addresses loan valuation and provisioning (IAS 39); the issuing of guidance on sound practices for loan accounting by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision; the introduction of statistical provisioning regimes in some countries; and proposals by the Joint Working Group of standard setters to introduce fair value accounting for all financial instruments. While there are common elements to these various initiatives, there are also some significant differences. Importantly, opinions differ over the extent to which an objective deterioration in credit quality needs to be identifiable in individual loans before a provision can be created, and over the effect of loan pricing on provisioning decisions. Opinions also differ as to the relevant horizon for measuring expected credit losses and the appropriate interest rate to discount future cash flows. These differences of opinion reflect, in part, different perspectives. On the one hand, financial supervisors have tended to emphasise the role that provisions can play in ensuring that banks maintain adequate buffers against future deteriorations in credit quality. On the other hand, accounting authorities have stressed the importance of provisions in generating fair and objective loan valuations. This special feature discusses the main characteristics of a number of the recent initiatives and proposals, paying particular attention to the tensions amongst them. It also lays out a simple framework within which various proposals can be embedded and considers a number of alternatives to the current arrangements.
Stabilization of differential inclusion systems with Markovian jumping

The stabilization of differential inclusions with Markovian jumping is discussed. A kind of uncertain Markovian jumping systems are modeled as differential inclusions with Markovian jumping. Based on the convex hull Lyapunov function, a kind of stochastical Lyapunov function is presented. The feedback control law is obtained to make the closed-loop system exponentially stable in the mean square. Finally, a simulation is given to show the effectiveness of this control design.
Polymorphism and Double Hexamer Structure in the Archaeal Minichromosome Maintenance (MCM) Helicase from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum*

Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum minichromosome maintenance complex (mtMCM), a cellular replicative helicase, is a useful model for the more complex eukaryotic MCMs. Biochemical and crystallographic evidence indicates that mtMCM assembles as a double hexamer (dHex), but previous electron microscopy studies reported only the presence of single heptamers or single hexamers (Pape, T., Meka, H., Chen, S., Vicentini, G., Van Heel, M., and Onesti, S. (2003) EMBO Rep. 4, 1079-1083; Yu, X. , VanLoock, M. S. , Poplawski, A. , Kelman, Z. , Xiang, T. , Tye, B. K. , and Egelman, E. H. (2002) EMBO Rep. 3, 792-797). Here we present the first three-dimensional electron microscopy reconstruction of the full-length mtMCM dHex in which two hexamers contact each other via the structurally well defined N-terminal domains. The dHex has obvious side openings that resemble the side channels of LTag (large T antigen). 6-fold and 7-fold rings were observed in the same mtMCM preparation, but we determined that assembly as a double ring favors 6-fold structures. Additionally, open rings were also detected, which suggests a direct mtMCM loading mechanism onto DNA.
Gaps in the anion gap.

OBJECTIVE To review limitations of the use of serum anion gap in clinical practice. DATA SOURCES Original reports and reviews. STUDY SELECTION Sources containing the most recent pertinent information. DATA SYNTHESIS Theoretical and practical limitations beset the use of serum anion gap. Awareness of these limitations reduces but does not eliminate wrong diagnoses based on the anion gaps. CONCLUSIONS Serum anion gap has a limited value in the differential diagnosis of acid-base disorders and can be misleading.
Capability-Based Planning: The Link Between Strategy and Enterprise Architecture

This White Paper describes how a Capability-Based Planning (CBP) method is a solution for the alignment between business strategy and Enterprise Architecture. This method is intended to be used by Enterprise Architects to model at a higher level of abstraction the current and desired abilities of an organization, in relation to the organization’s strategy and its environment. Furthermore, with the help of capabilities, Enterprise Architects can have common ground to initiate discussions with business leaders in terms of business outcomes, while having a link between what an organization can do with how it does it. The target audience of this White Paper is business leaders, technology leaders, and program and portfolio managers.
Capital Market Integration: Vietnam and Its Connection with ASEAN Peers

There have been many initiatives planned and implemented by the authorities to raise the level of financial market integration in Southeast Asia to reap potential benefits and though the importance of Vietnam in the region has continued to grow, only a small number of research has considered its stock markets. This paper investigates the extent and nature of integration of two Vietnamese stock markets (Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi exchanges) and other peers in ASEAN-5 countries from January 2009 until December 2013, using cointegration techniques and the Granger Causality approach. The empirical results suggest evidence of some degree of integration such that the gains of international investors holding a diversified portfolio in the region may have been reduced but not eliminated and policymakers and regulators will have to consider monitoring and driving the developments in the future.
Design, optimization and construction of an electric motor for an Electric Rear Wheel Drive unit application for a hybrid passenger car

An Electric Rear Wheel Drive -ERWD- unit is a cost effective solution for the electrification of passenger cars. While the conventional front-wheel transmission is kept, the ERWD unit provides electrical torque to the rear wheels and regenerative braking capabilities. In this article the design, optimization, construction and testing of an electric motor for such unit is presented. The experimental test results are compared to the FE simulation results from the design stage in order to validate the design tool.
Homocysteine biosynthesis in green plants. O-Phosphorylhomoserine as the physiological substrate for cystathionine gamma-synthase.

Abstract Optimal conditions for biosynthesis of cystathionine with crude extracts of green plants were determined. The specific activities observed under these conditions are considerably higher than those initially detected (Giovanelli, J., and Mudd, S. H. (1966) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 25, 366), and compare favorably with those of bacterial extracts. At near saturating concentrations of homoserine esters, crude extracts of tissues representing most of the major phylogenetic divisions of green plants generally catalyze the highest rates of cystathionine synthesis in the presence of O-malonylhomoserine, intermediate rates in the presence of O-oxalyl-, O-succinyl-, and O-phosphorylhomoserine, and very low rates with O-acetylhomoserine. Green plants are unique among the organisms studied by us or other workers in their capacity to use O-phosphorylhomoserine in cystathionine synthesis. Enzymic assay systems permitting the detection of compounds capable of serving as α-aminobutyryl donors in the synthesis of cystathionine were developed, taking advantage of the fact that crude preparations of plant cystathionine γ-synthase are active with a wide range of compounds. An analogous system designed to detect O-acetylhomoserine with greater sensitivity was developed through the use of an enzyme preparation from Bacillus subtilis. An α-amino-butyryl donor was purified by ion exchange chromatography and paper electrophoresis from tissues of green plants ranging from the green alga Chlorella to the higher flowering plants. Only a single α-aminobutyryl donor was detected among these green plants. This compound was characterized as O-phosphorylhomoserine on the basis of its base stability, its behavior during ion exchange chromatography and paper electrophoresis, and a rate of hydrolysis by highly purified alkaline phosphatase that was indistinguishable from that of authentic O-phosphorylhomoserine. It is proposed that O-phosphorylhomoserine is the dominant physiological precursor of cystathionine in green plants. Some of the implications of this finding are discussed. During the course of this work, studies on the relative activity of cystathionine γ-synthase with various substrates were extended to a number of lower organisms. The patterns of substrate activity with crude extracts of a blue-green alga and Escherichia coli are very similar, and resemble the pattern for cystathionine γ-synthase of Salmonella typhimurium (Kaplan, M. M., and Flavin, M. (1966) J. Biol. Chem. 241, 4463). O-Succinylhomoserine is the most active substrate for all three organisms. Extracts of B. subtilis are most active with O-acetylhomoserine, a pattern not previously observed with bacterial cystathionine γ-synthases.