Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using simultaneous voltage and calcium imaging to study fast Ca2+ channels

Abstract. The combination of fluorescence measurements of membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ concentration allows correlating the electrical and calcium activity of a cell with spatial precision. The technical advances allowing this type of measurement were achieved only recently and represent an important step in the progress of the voltage imaging approach pioneered over 40 years ago by Lawrence B. Cohen. Here, we show how this approach can be used to investigate the function of Ca2+ channels using the foreseen possibility to extract Ca2+ currents from imaging experiments. The kinetics of the Ca2+ current, mediated by voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, can be accurately derived from the Ca2+ fluorescence measurement using Ca2+ indicators with KD>10 μM that equilibrate in <1 ms. In this respect, the imaging apparatus dedicated to this application is described in detail. Next, we illustrate the mathematical procedure to extract the current from the Ca2+ fluorescence change, including a method to calibrate the signal to charge flux density. Finally, we show an example of simultaneous membrane potential and Ca2+ optical measurement associated with an action potential at a CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neuron from a mouse brain slice. The advantages and limitations of this approach are discussed.
Marketing Small Wineries: An Exploratory Approach to Website Evaluation

This study was conducted to evaluate the marketing strategies of small wineries and the role of the Web within these strategies. A Website evaluation instrument was developed to measure the effectiveness of small winery Websites from multiple perspectives. The instrument was tested on a sample of 18 small winery Websites in a Mid-western U.S. state. These Websites were found to be “electronic brochures” rather than “dynamic relationship marketing tools. ” Implications for improved performance on Web marketing by small wineries were identified.
Revisiting marketing's lawlike generalizations

Since being recognized as a separate field of inquiry over 75 years ago, marketing has made enormous strides in terms of becoming a scholarly discipline. Marketing scholars have used scientific approaches to discover and document a number of regularities pertaining to consumer behavior and marketing exchages. Many regularities that have been empirically validated have achieved the status of “lawlike generalizations. ” In this article, the authors first classify these generalizations into four categories: location centric, time centric, market centric, and competition centric. They then argue that each category is now being affected by at least one major contextual discontinuity that is likely to challenge the relevance, if not validity, of these well-accepted lawlike generalizations. The authors also identify important questions stemming from these discontinuities and issue a call for further research to discover new insights and paradigms.
A mixed-method approach to examining brand-consumer interactions driven by social media

Purpose – Online social media are dramatically changing the ways in which firms and their consumers interact. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter among younger consumers (“digital natives”) in their interactions with brands. To investigate this, the authors conduct a mixed-method study including latent class analysis (LCA) to examine the role of social media among younger consumers (referred to as “digital natives”) in their interactions with brands. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed-method approach including both qualitative analysis and LCA was used to analyze daily interactions between consumers and specific brands across two primary social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter). Data were collected by means of a social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter). Data were collected by means of a social media diary collected over a one-week period. Findings – The findings from this study suggest that brand-consumer interactions driven .
A 240 GHz Fully Integrated Wideband QPSK Receiver in 65 nm CMOS

Operation at millimeter-wave/sub-terahertz frequencies allows one to realize very high data-rate transceivers for wireless chip-to-chip communication. In this paper, a 240 GHz 16 Gbps QPSK receiver is demonstrated in 65 nm CMOS technology. The receiver employs a direct-conversion mixer-first architecture with an integrated slotted loop antenna. A 240 GHz LO chain drives the passive mixers to down-convert the modulated data to baseband. The baseband signal is then amplified using high gain, wide bandwidth amplifiers. The receiver has a noise figure of 15 dB with a conversion gain of 25 dB calculated from measurement data. The receiver achieves a data rate of 10 Gbps (with ) and a maximum data rate of 16 Gbps (with BER of 10-4) with a receiver efficiency of 16 pJ/bit.
Study on factors (pH, water activity, salt content) affecting the growth of Listeria Monocytogenes in raw dried cured sausages

Available online at 0 C, in three of them Listeria spp. (two L.monocitogenes and L.welshimeri) survived and was detected. Salt content of the samples varied from 2,46 to 6,28% and was not able to affect the growth of L.monocytogenes. Data showed that the detected levels of a w could support the growth of L.monocytogenes in only 6 (7,4%) of the tested samples. pH values lower than 5 were presented in three samples and only the combination with low a w was able to inhibit the growth of L.monocytogenes. The detected levels of salt content did not affect the presence and growth of L.monocytogenes. Microbiological criterion' set in Commission Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005 for ready-to-eat foods unable to support the growth of L. monocytogenes can be applied to 75 (92,6%) of the tested sausages.
Efficient Implementation of Constrained Robust Model Predictive Control using a State Space Model

The goal of this paper is to evaluate the closed loop performances of a new approach in constrained state space Robust Model Predictive Control (RMPC) in the presence of parametric uncertainties. The control law is obtained by the resolution of a min-max optimization problem, initially non convex, under input and input deviation constraints, using worst case strategy. The technique used is the Generalized Geometric Programming (GGP) which is a global optimization method for non convex functions constrained in a specific domain. The key idea of the proposed approach is the convexification of the optimization problem allowing to compute the optimal control law using standard optimization technique. The proposed method is efficient since it guarantees set-point tracking different from the origin and non zero disturbances rejection. The efficiency of this approach is illustrated with two examples and compared with a recent state space RMPC algorithm.
Advantage of Advanced CMOS over Advanced TTL in a Cosmic Ray Environment

Samples of the 54F109, 54AS109, 54ALS109, and the 54AHCT109, as well as, the 54F374, 54AS374, 54ALS374, and the 54AHCT374 were tested at the Berkeley Cyclotron. The results indicate that the 54AHCT109 possesses a LET threshold an order of magnitude greater and a SEU cross-section that is 20 times less than its advanced TTL counterparts. The same trend was shown for the 54AHCT374 where the LET threshold was 4 times greater than that for the 54F374 while the SEU crosssection was slightly less than that of the 54F374. These results indicate substantial improvement in SEU rejection by the 54AHCT family over advanced TTL.
A novel αVβ3 ligand-modified HPMA copolymers for anticancer drug delivery

Abstract The integrin αVβ3 receptor emerged as one of the most promising targets owing to its high expression on the surface of various malignant tumour cells and tumour angiogenesis endothelial cells, but with little expression in mature endothelial cells and the majority of normal cells. Here, we report a new targeting ligand FQSIYPpIK (FQS) with high affinity to integrin αVβ3 receptor. To take the advantage of the particular interaction between FQS and integrin αVβ3 receptor, FQS was linked to N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers. A model drug doxorubicin (DOX) was simultaneously conjugated to the same HPMA copolymers via pH-sensitive hydrazone linkages (FQS–HPMA–DOX). In in vitro study, FQS–HPMA–DOX could be internalised into αVβ3 receptor-overexpressed B16F10 cells via a highly specific ligand − receptor pathway (5.0 times and 4.5 times higher cellular internalisation than HPMA–DOX and a scrambled peptide (s)-FQS (sequence: SYFIPKQIp)-modified copolymers ((s)-FQS–HPMA–DOX)). It is worth noting that compared with the classical αVβ3 ligand cRGDfK-modified HPMA copolymers (cRGDfK–HPMA–DOX), FQS–HPMA–DOX also showed superior targeting efficiency. In in vivo study in the B16F10 melanoma bearing mice model showed the antitumour efficiency of FQS–HPMA–DOX (83.9%) were significantly higher than HPMA–DOX (44.9%) and cRGDfK–HPMA–DOX (77.5%). These results suggest that FQS peptide can act as an effective targeting ligand for the delivery of therapeutic agents.
From Uncoded Prefetching to Coded Prefetching in Coded Caching

In the coded caching framework proposed by Maddah Ali and Niesen, there are two classes of coding schemes known in the literature, namely uncoded prefetching schemes and coded prefetching schemes. In this work, we provide a connection between the uncoded prefetching scheme proposed by Maddah Ali and Niesen (and its improved version by Yu et al.) and the coded prefetching scheme proposed by Tian and Chen, when the number of files is no larger than that of users. We make a critical observation that a coding component in the Tian-Chen scheme can be replaced by a binary code, which enables us to view the two schemes as the extremes of a more general scheme. The intermediate operating points of this general scheme can in fact provide new tradeoff points previously not known in the literature, however, explicit characterizing the performance of this general scheme appears rather difficult.
Choosing between wholly‐owned subsidiaries and joint ventures of MNCs from an emerging market

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact that three sets of variables – derived from transaction cost theory (TCT), the resource‐based view (RBV), and institutional environment – have on choice of entry strategies of multinational corporations (MNCs) from an emerging market.Design/methodology/approach – The sample consisted of 819 Taiwanese firms which were investigated using a national survey, and logistic regression analysis was used for testing the hypotheses.Findings – The empirical findings confirm that the following factors affect this decision: firm‐specific assets, international experience, whether a firm is investing abroad in pursuit of a particular customer, whether a firm seeks complementary assets abroad, and the perceived institutional differences (PEDs) between a firm's home country and the host country. The findings also suggest that PEDs have a moderating effect on foreign market entry.Research limitations/implications – As MNCs from emerging markets make the decision .
BLOOD GROUPS IN SHEEP

Seven genetic systems of blood groups are currently rccognized in sheep. Their salient features are described in this report, and their relationships to blood groups in other species, especially to those of cattle, are considered. The techniques used for studies of blood groups in sheep and in cattle are mostly the same, and our knowledge of ovine blood groups has developed largely from the framework provided by earlier studies of the genetic and serological features of blood groups in cattle.
Study of energy management for decreasing reverse power flow from photovoltaic power systems

When the volume of distributed generation (DG), including photovoltaic (PV) power systems, is increased, reverse power flow from DG may cause problems. To reduce the reverse power flow from PV power systems, energy management by use of storage batteries is expected to be a solution. In addition, the combination with load control is expected to reduce the storage capacity. In this study, energy management methods by use of the Supply and Demand Interface (SDI), which is a device to control DG, batteries and loads, are proposed and the effectiveness of the methods are evaluated by simulation analyses. The simulation results show that the amount of reverse power flow from PV power systems is reduced by the proposed energy management methods, and the load control is effective in reducing the reverse power flow. The required storage capacity to prevent the reverse power flow from the distribution line to the transmission line is also shown.
Building country image through corporate image: exploring the factors that influence the image transfer

Place branding scholars and practitioners increasingly highlight the influence that corporate image can exert on country image. Yet, there is remarkably little academic research on this image transfer. In this qualitative study, we identify factors that influence the transfer of associations from corporate images to country images through 13 in-depth interviews with place branding experts. Findings reveal six consumer-related (awareness of the corporate brand's country of origin; power of the corporate image; strength of the corporate brand–country association; brand image fit; brand image misfit; strength of industry–country association) and four company-related (extent to which the company plays up or down its country of origin; the company's international and market visibility; number of corporate brands operating in the market) factors that influence this image transfer. Our contribution to the place branding literature is 10 research propositions on the influence that these factors pose in the transfer of associations from corporate brands to countries. We provide country branding managers with guidelines in selecting corporate brands for country branding campaigns and discuss suggestions for future research.
Field Notes and Theoretical Memos in Grounded Theory

In this article the authors expose some of the mystique surrounding field notes and theoretical memos in a Glaserian grounded theory study. Definitions, types, and content of field notes and theoretical memos are presented. Exemplars from a study of mothers living with serious mental illness are provided to illustrate how these forms of documentation evolved during the course of the study. The authors argue that, although the processes of field noting and memoing may blur as a study progresses, they nevertheless retain their independent functions. The authors contend that without understanding the complementary function of these two types of documentation, data cannot evolve to a higher interpretive level. This article contributes specific ideas for improving the methods used by qualitative nurse researchers.
Antimicrobial Biomedical Materials: Engineering

The development of new antimicrobial treatments is an area of continuing research. This entry takes a bird’s eye view on advances and focuses, in particular, on trends toward solvent-free chemistry by plasma-assisted coating deposition methods. General principles of antimicrobial and antifouling coatings are highlighted distinguishing between surface functionalization, chemical grafting, and coating deposition. The available technologies are mirrored against contemporary needs in demanding branches of industry in terms of costs, production speed, effectiveness, safety, and durability. The study shows large potential for new textile products and applications by plasma-assisted coating deposition, if process complexity, speed, coating flexibility, and precise control of leaching compounds can be achieved.
Predicting divestiture of unrelated acquisitions: an integrative model of ex ante conditions

The majority of unrelated acquisitions are divested shortly after their purchase. Often, those acquisitions-turned-divestitures result in strategic, organizational, and financial losses for both the acquiring and the acquired companies. To consider how such divestitures can be avoided, this study examined some of the differences between divested and retained unrelated acquisitions. The study integrated four explanations for why unrelated acquisitions occur and related them to the fates of such acquisitions. Unrelated acquisitions were hypothesized to be divested when they fail to realize some motives and expectations that prevailed at the time of acquisition. Two samples of unrelated acquisitions (135 from 1977 and 140 from 1987) were tracked over 5-year periods. The results indicate that motives and conditions at the time of acquisition, and changes in those motives and conditions, were related to the fates of the acquisitions. In addition, the relative importance of those factors varied across the periods studied. Discriminant analyses further demonstrate that most divestitures could be predicted correctly on the basis of those motivations and conditions. The implications of the findings are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycosaminoglycan content of knee cartilage following posterior cruciate ligament rupture demonstrated by delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC). A case report.

Following joint trauma and during the early stages of cartilage degeneration, typical changes become apparent in tissue structure and composition, including the loss of glycosaminoglycan1,2. These changes often are not apparent on conventional magnetic resonance imaging or visible at arthroscopy, thereby precluding diagnosis. Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage, or dGEMRIC, is an emerging in vivo method for the assessment of the biochemical composition of articular cartilage and provides a surrogate measure of glycosaminoglycan content3,4. When injected intravenously, the anionic contrast agent gadolinium diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA2–) penetrates cartilage both from the synovial surface and from the subchondral bone3,5. Given sufficient time, the anionic contrast agent distributes inversely to the fixed negative charge associated with the cartilage glycosaminoglycan content in accordance with the Donnan principle of equilibrium. Gd-DTPA2-therefore distributes in relatively higher concentrations in regions of low glycosaminoglycan, and vice versa. Gd-DTPA2-has a concentration-dependent effect on the magnetic resonance imaging parameter T1; therefore, T1 imaging in the presence of Gd-DTPA2– (T1Gd) reflects the cartilage Gd-DTPA2–concentration and, hence, glycosaminoglycan concentration. We present the case of a patient (one of the authors [A.A.Y.]) who sustained an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament of the knee while enrolled as a “normal” control subject in a dGEMRIC study of the knee. This incidental occurrence provided us with a unique opportunity to visualize the temporal and spatial changes that occur in cartilage biochemistry following an acute posterior cruciate ligament rupture. Athirty-year-old man (one of the authors [A.A.Y.]) was involved in a motor-vehicle accident in which he sustained a direct blow to the anterior aspect of the proximal portion of the right tibia at 90° of knee flexion (a typical “dashboard” type of …
Bridge-DB Query Optimization in a Multi-Database System

In this paper we present a distributed database system, called Bridge-DB. This system focuses on using multiple data sources without any prior knowledge of the underlying database architecture as well as simplify interaction with multiple database systems. Bridge-DB has its own query language BQL which supports all CRUD operations. It is connected to PostgreSQL and Neo4J and through the modular design of the system it supports any type of storage mechanism through the implementation of a database driver module. Our main contribution is the implementation of a cost-based optimizer using a combination of a dynamic and black box cost model to determine which database a query should be executed on, or whether the query should be enumerated, and executed on multiple databases after which the optimizer does post-processing of the results to fulfill the query. The new solution has been tested against two different datasets each with a bias towards Neo4J and PostgreSQL respectively and a combination of both in order to test the effectiveness of the cost model. Based on response times, data traffic and overhead of Bridge-DB we show that through the use of our cost model we gain higher performance on response times at the cost of an increase in data traffic between Neo4J and Bridge-DB.
The Effect of Mad Cow (BSE) Scare on Beef Demand and Sales Loss: The Case of İzmir

This paper investigates the effect of the BSE scare on beef consumption due to the intense media coverage. Using monthly data, a beef demand model for January 1995-February 1997 period is estimated for Izmir Province. Beef sales dropped immediately after the media coverage on BSE in April 1996 and continued through June 1996 when the intense media coverage stopped. The econometric model reveals that beef sales in Izmir would have been 36.4% higher if the BSE crisis never occurred. The annual individual willingness to pay is 0.5224 per year to avoid consuming BSE contaminated meat.
Characterization of Drug Transport by the Human Multidrug Resistance Protein 3 (ABCC3)*

We have characterized the substrate specificity and mechanism of transport of the human multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (MRP3). A murine fibroblast-like cell line generated from the kidneys of mice that lack Mdr1a/b and Mrp1 was retrovirally transduced with MRP3 cDNA. Stable clones overproducing MRP3 were resistant to the epipodophyllotoxins etoposide and teniposide but not to vincristine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin, drugs suggested to be MRP3 substrates by others. The resistance to etoposide was associated with reduced cellular accumulation and enhanced efflux of this drug and was not affected by depleting cells of glutathione but was inhibited by several common organic anion transport inhibitors. Membrane vesicles from infected insect cells expressing MRP3 mediated ATP-dependent transport of estradiol 17-β-d-glucuronide, leukotriene C4, dinitrophenyl S-glutathione but not glutathione itself, and etoposide glucuronide, a major metabolite of etoposide in vivo. The transport of estradiol 17-β-d-glucuronide by MRP3 was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by both etoposide and methotrexate. Even though etoposide glucuronide is an excellent substrate for MRP3, this compound is not involved in the etoposide resistance of our MRP3 cells, as these cells extrude unmodified etoposide rather than etoposide glucuronide.
Diversification vs. Contagion in Inter-Linked Portfolios

Inter-linkages between firms are a channel by which idiosyncratic shocks to one firm can affect the returns of linked counterparties. We extend a factor model of returns to allow for the transmission of idiosyncratic shocks between linked counterparties. We show that the structure of inter-linkages determines the rate at which idiosyncratic shocks are diversified away. Importantly we identify structures in which idiosyncratic shocks do not average out, even in large portfolios, but instead significantly affect returns. Simulations confirm that the structure of inter-linkages affects the rate at which return volatility decays as portfolio size increases. The results provide a theoretical basis for identifying assets, portfolios or markets in which returns are likely to be sensitive to idiosyncratic risk or susceptible to contagion.
Chromosome-Encoded Class D β-Lactamase OXA-23 in Proteus mirabilis

ABSTRACT Ten nonrepetitive Proteus mirabilis isolates, which were collected over 4 years (1996 to 1999) at the teaching hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, France, produced class D carbapenemase OXA-23. MICs of imipenem were 0.25 to 0.5 μg/ml for these clinical isolates. Molecular typing revealed that the 10 P. mirabilis isolates originated from the same clonal strain. Hybridization of I-CeuI-generated chromosome fragments with a blaOXA-23 probe showed that the gene was chromosome encoded in the P. mirabilis strain.