Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regiochemistry of Neuroprostanes Generated from the Peroxidation of Docosahexaenoic Acid in Vitro and in Vivo*

Isoprostanes (IsoPs) are isomers of prostaglandins that are generated from the free radical-initiated peroxidation of arachidonic acid (C20.4 ω-6). IsoPs exert potent bioactivity and are regarded as the “gold standard” to assess oxidative stress in various human diseases. Analogously, autoxidation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22.6 ω-3) generates an array of IsoP-like compounds that are termed neuroprostanes (NPs). A major class of NPs identified in vitro and in vivo contains F-type prostane rings and are know as F4-NPs. A number of different F4-NP regioisomers are formed from the peroxidation of DHA. Among the eight possible regioisomeric groups, we hypothesize that 4- and 20-series NPs are generated in greater amounts than other classes because the precursors that lead to regioisomers other than those of the 4- and 20-series can be further oxidized to form novel dioxolane-IsoP-like compounds, analogous to those generated from arachidonate. Various mass spectrometric approaches, including electron capture atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry, were utilized to analyze NPs formed in vitro and in vivo based on their characteristic fragmentation in the gas phase. Experimental results were consistent with our hypothesis that 4- and 20-series NP regioisomers are preferentially generated. The discovery of regioselectivity in the formation of NPs will allow studies of the biological activities of NPs to focus on the more abundantly generated compounds to determine their role in modulating the pathophysiological consequences of DHA oxidation and oxidant stress.
Identifying key determinants for new product introductions and firm performance in small service firms

Small firms have gained increasing attention in the innovation literature. Focusing mainly on manufacturing based literature we identified several key factors that contribute to the innovative potential of small firms. However, we do not know if these factors are recognised and used in small service firms. Distinguishing various types of service industries, our goal with this paper is threefold. First, we describe to what extent service firms use the key factors to their advantage. Second, we try to establish if there is a relation between the key factors and new product introductions. Third, we want to see if new product introductions indeed contribute to firm performance. After a survey among 502 Dutch service firms, we reveal some major differences between various types of service industries.
Matching types of Social Media Sites (SNSs) to motives and profile of youth in Malaysia

Social network sites (SNSs) have been used to bring people close to each other across the globe, especially the youth. It is important to find out the matching of types of SNSs to the motives for using them and toward fitting the profile of youth in Malaysia for the SNSs concerned. Specifically, this study tries (1) to find out the types of SNSs subscribed by youth, (2) to gauge the frequency of using the SNSs per week, (3) to rank the motives for using the SNSs, and (4) to compare the differences between youth profile for using the SNSs. A survey was conducted to among youth, aged 17-40 years old, nationwide, using a self-developed questionnaire. A total of 703 respondents were gathered for the study. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) WIN 20. The respondents of the study were represented by a slightly more male than female, mainly Malays, mostly single, with Islam as their religion, adolescents, doing their first degree, and were students. Based on the youth profile, results revealed that there were differences between various youth demographic characteristics and the types of SNSs that they subscribed to. The top three SNSs that youth subscribed to were Facebook, Yahoo and Skype. Almost one-third of them used them daily. Most of the SNSs were used for social, followed by education, and communication motives. Specifically, Twitter was also used for social, communication and entertainment motives while blog was used for religious, education, business, and politics motives. The study is applying both the social networks theory and information seeking theory so that youth would be motivated to equip themselves with the vast knowledge available and accessible in the SNSs for their own benefits, not merely for social networking.
Dynamic consumption and asset allocation with derivative securities

This paper provides a model in which a long-term investor chooses consumption and optimal dynamic asset allocation, including a riskless bond, risky stock, and derivatives on the stock, when there is predictable variation in return volatility. We maximize a more general recursive utility function defined over intermediate consumption rather than terminal wealth in order to reflect the realistic problem facing an investor who is saving for the future. The paper obtains a solution to this problem which is exact for investors with unit elasticity of intertemporal substitution of consumption, and approximate otherwise. The optimal log consumption–wealth ratio is a function of stochastic volatility, and the consumption–wealth ratio is an increasing function of volatility for investors whose elasticity of intertemporal substitution of consumption is smaller than one, while it is a decreasing function of volatility for investors whose elasticity of intertemporal substitution of consumption is larger than one. Derivative securities are a significant tool for expanding investors’ dimension of risk-and-return tradeoffs, being a vehicle for the additional risk factor of stochastic volatility in the stock market. Non-myopic investors can utilize derivative securities, which provide access to volatility risk, to capitalize upon the time-varying nature of their opportunity set.
Spectral investigation of multimode fiber Bragg grating based external-cavity semiconductor lasers

The output spectra of external-cavity semiconductor lasers (ECSLs) formed by using different antireflection (AR) coated laser diodes (LDs) with multimode fiber Bragg gratings (MMFBGs), are studied systematically. It is found that the side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of the output spectra of ECSL is dependent on the relative position of the Bragg wavelength and the intracavity modes of the LD, and this effect is more apparent when the reflectivity of AR coating of LD is increased. Numerical simulations are provided to explain the experimental observations. Furthermore, the requirements of wavelength locking of ECSLs with MMFBGs are found to be different from those with single-mode fiber Bragg gratings (SMFBGs). The conditions of wavelength locking of the MMFBG-based ECSLs in terms of gain margin between the material gain peak and the gain corresponding to the selected Bragg wavelength, reflectivity of AR coating of LD and reflectivities of the Bragg wavelengths of MMFBG are comprehensively investigated, and compared with the experimental results.
Generalized microgrid harmonic compensation strategies using DG unit interfacing converters

This paper discusses harmonic compensation schemes using distributed generation (DG) units. As most DG units are connected to the grid with interfacing converters, the harmonic compensation functions can be realized through flexible control of these converters. Both current controlled and voltage controlled DG systems are considered in this paper. Details on how to implement the harmonic compensation function on those systems are presented. Additionally, the recently proposed hybrid control method (HCM) is also discussed. It shows that the HCM has better performance and is more flexible. Selective simulated and experimental results are provided to verify the feasibility of the HCM approach.
Changes in Equity Risk Perceptions: Global Consequences and Policy Responses

The current weakness in the global economy has generated a debate on the likely outlook for the world economy and the appropriate response for monetary policies. The world economy is currently being buffeted by a number of major shocks. A particular feature has been the large fall in equity markets in many countries. In this paper we use the MSG3 global economic model to assess the impact on the global economy of a sharp rise in the equity risk premium in a number of countries. In particular we examine whether a rise in equity risk premia (or fall in productivity which has many similar implications) is a shock to aggregate supply or aggregate demand. We explore the difference in the transmission mechanism if the shocks occur just in one country (i.e. the United States) versus across the OECD generally. We then assess the appropriate responses of monetary policy to shocks of this type and explore whether there are gains to coordinating the monetary policy responses of the G7.
Do Doctors Practice Defensive Medicine?

`Defensive medicine' is a potentially serious social problem: if fear of liability drives health care providers to administer treatments that do not have worthwhile medical benefits, then the current liability system may generate inefficiencies many times greater than the costs of compensating malpractice claimants. To obtain direct empirical evidence on this question, we analyze the effects of malpractice liability reforms using data on all elderly Medicare beneficiaries treated for serious heart disease in 1984, 1987, and 1990. We find that malpractice reforms that directly reduce provider liability pressure lead to reductions of 5 to 9 percent in medical expenditures without substantial effects on mortality or medical complications. We conclude that liability reforms can reduce defensive medical practices.
Investment Decisions and Depreciation Choices under a Discretionary Tax Depreciation Rule

Abstract Prior studies have shown limited impact of the US bonus depreciation rules on firm investments during economic downturns. In this article we study the effects of a set of more flexible rules – discretionary tax depreciation (DTD) – introduced in the Netherlands during the 2009–2011 economic crisis. Our simulation results show DTD, which allows firms to accelerate and also to postpone depreciation, to be much more effective than bonus depreciation in reducing the expected value of tax payments, especially in crisis periods. Using a sample of 325 clients of a single office of a Dutch accounting firm, we show that DTD has led to higher investments in assets qualifying for discretionary depreciation for firms that faced the highest marginal tax rate. For other firms, the additional investments crowd out investments in assets that do not qualify for DTD. Our analysis on the actual depreciation choices reveals that firms postpone depreciation when facing losses or loss carry forwards, or to smooth taxable income under the progressive tax system. Our results suggest that a fiscal policy that permits firms to postpone depreciation, as well as to accelerate, may stimulate investment.
Equity and the new post‐compulsory education and training policies in Australia: a progressive or regressive agenda?

This paper explores the background and context of the Australian federal government's new post‐compulsory education and training policies. It examines the social, economic and political context within which the policies have been developed, and the way in which competing interests have been ‘stitched’ together in the new consensual policy‐making process. It is argued that the resulting policy directions (expressed in the Finn, Mayer and Carmichael reports), where goals of micro‐economic reform are linked to equity issues, represent an ambiguous policy mix and offer contradictory possibilities for young people. The implications of these ambiguities for reform strategies will be discussed, together with considerations relating to the politics of educational change.
Treatment of Refractory Oral Erosive Lichen Planus with Topical Rapamycin: 7 Cases

Background: Chronic erosive oral lichen planus (CEOLP) is a painful disease. Topical steroids constitute the mainstay of treatment. Given the reports of a slightly greater risk of squamous-cell carcinoma, rapamycin may be a good candidate for recalcitrant CEOLP, as it has both immunosuppressive and antitumour properties. Objectives: To investigate the therapeutic effect and evaluate the blood absorption of topical rapamycin in patients with CEOLP. Patients and Methods: We carried out an open prospective study: 7 women with CEOLP applied topical rapamycin (1 mg/ml) on oral erosive lesions twice a day for 3 months. Four patients also had erosive vulvar lesions and applied the same solution on both mucosae. We monitored blood sirolimus levels 15 days after the initiation of treatment. Complete remission was defined by the disappearance of oral erosions and partial remission when the surface of oral erosions was 50% less than the surface of the initial erosion. Results: At 3 months, 4 women had complete remission and 2 women had partial remission. One patient stopped treatment due to local discomfort. Only 1 woman had blood sirolimus levels that were detectable. Conclusion: Topical rapamycin may be effective in some cases of refractory CEOLP, with negligible absorption into blood and minimal side effects.
Enhancing Civic Engagement: The Effect of Direct Democracy on Political Participation and Knowledge

What is the impact of direct democracy on citizens' political participation and knowledge? Progressive Era reformers and normative theorists have argued that institutional procedures allowing citizens a more direct role in government decision-making will increase civic engagement, broadly defined. Using American National Election Studies data for 1996, 1998, and 2000, we test this hypothesis. Our multivariate analysis suggests that exposure to ballot initiatives increases the probability of voting, stimulates campaign contributions to interest groups, and enhances political knowledge. However, we find that the impact of the initiative process on political participation and knowledge varies with electoral context.
Update on Signaling Ion Changes in Legume Root Hairs Responding to Nod Factors 1

Departamento de Biologı́a Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnologı́a, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510–3, Cuernavaca Morelos 62271, México (L.C., F.S., C.Q.); Biology Department, Morrill Science Center, University of Massachusetts, Box 35810, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003–5810 (T.L.H.-C., J.G.K., P.K.H.); Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, P–2780–156 Oeiras, Portugal (J.A.F.); and Centro de Biotecnologia Vegetal, Department Biologia Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, P–1749–016 Lisboa, Portugal (J.A.F.)
Shadow Employment and Labor Productivity Dynamics

This paper offers theoretical and empirical insights on the anecdotal buffer hypothesis, i.e. the view that the shadow employment functions as an improper tool for increasing the labor market flexibility. Official data for Italy support the premise. Although the contemporaneous correlation between Hodrick-Prescott-detrended shadow labor and output is positive and significant, as time passes their association looses momentum. The opposite is found for the regular employees. Because of their lower productivity level, the cyclical response of the hidden workers affects the short-term profile of the overall labor productivity. It adds new hints on the still puzzling 1990s productivity dynamics.
Aqua(1,10-phenanthroline)(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)nickel(II) pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid solvate tetrahydrate

The title compound, [Ni(C7H3NO4)(C12H8N2)(H2O)]·C7H5NO4·4H2O or [Ni(pydc)(phen)(H2O)]. pydcH2·4H2O, was obtained by the reaction of nickel(II) nitrate hexahydrate with the proton-transfer compound (phenH)2(pydc) (phen is 1,10-phenanothroline and pydcH2 is pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid) in aqueous solution. Both the cationic and anionic portions of the starting proton-transfer compound are involved in the complexation. The NiII atom has a distorted octahedral geometry and is hexacoordinated by three O atoms and three N atoms from one phen fragment (as a bidentate ligand), one (pydc)2− unit (as a tridentate ligand) and one water molecule. In the crystal structure, extensive O—H⋯O, O—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds with D⋯A distances ranging from 2.573 (2) to 3.385 (2) Å, π–π interactions between the phen ring systems [with centroid–centroid distances of 3.4694 (12), 3.4781 (11) and 3.8310 (11) Å] and intermolecular C—O⋯π interactions [C⋯π distances of 3.4812 (17), 3.5784 (16) and 3.5926 (16) Å] connect the various components together.
Human Capital, Sports Performance and Salary Determination of Professional Athletes

Thanks to the high availability of data, professional sport represents a unique laboratory in order to test labour market theories and predictions. In particular, one of the most important propositions concerns the role that human capital plays in shaping the life-cycle earnings patterns of workers. To the extent that sport can be considered as a type of human capital investment, human capital theory can help to understand, and empirically assess, how the professional sports labour market rewards performance attributes of players. On this purpose, this piece of work reviews the most important economic contributions focused on the wage determination of professional athletes with the aim of outlining both the emerging common features and the main issues. In so doing, a distinction between professional team-sports and professional single-player sports is done, where the former is represented by the most popular sports in North America and Europe, such as baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer, whereas the latter is primarily represented by professional golf in the US.
The benefits of training in leisure retailing: a case study of McDonald's restaurants

This paper applies a model for calculating the business benefits of training provision discussed in the previous issue of Strategic Change. The case study of McDonald's restaurants involved exploring the training provision in two clusters of establishments selected against the company's own internal monitoring criteria to be better than average or worse than average trainers. Using a balanced scorecard approach the study shows that restaurants with a better training approach record higher levels of both customer and employee satisfaction. They have lower levels of staff turnover and a more flexible workforce. Training is also shown to positively impact on employee productivity. The study also demonstrates the key importance placed on training provision as a means by which the company achieves its strategic objectives of promoting customer satisfaction and sustaining competitive advantage. The study confirms how vitally important it is to monitor and manage training provision in multi-unit businesses like McDonald's if inconsistencies are to be avoided. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research Note: The Tourism–Growth Nexus in Croatia

This empirical study examines the tourism-led growth hypothesis for Croatia using quarterly data from 2000:1 to 2008:3. The Toda– Yamamoto long-run causality tests reveal positive unidirectional causality from real GDP to international tourism revenues, as well as positive unidirectional causality from real GDP to the real effective exchange rate. Thus, the results lend support for the economic-driven tourism growth hypothesis.
Synaptic vesicles in rat hippocampal boutons recycle to different pools in a use‐dependent fashion

Efficient vesicle membrane recycling at presynaptic terminals is pivotal for preventing depletion and maintaining high firing rates in neuronal networks. We used a new approach, based on the combination of spectrally different optical probes, to investigate how stimulation determines the fate of synaptic vesicles after endocytosis. We found that in the small central synapses of rat hippocampal neurones low frequency stimulation (40 action potentials at 2 Hz) targets vesicles preferentially to vesicle pools that were kinetically faster. Vesicles taken up during endocytosis triggered by high frequency stimulation (400 action potentials, 20 Hz) were also placed in the back of the release queue. We performed a spatial analysis of the recycled vesicles in living hippocampal boutons using two spectrally different FM‐dyes (FM1‐43 and FM5‐95). By using these consecutively, vesicles endocytosed by either stimulation protocol were labelled with a different colour. This revealed that the kinetic arrangement was also reflected in the spatial organization of vesicles within the bouton. Next, we identified the postsynaptic site of the active zone by transfecting the neurones with postsynaptic density protein PSD‐95‐CFP. The data from these triple colour experiments suggest that retrieval after low frequency stimulation keeps vesicles in a more confined region closer to the active zone as identified by PSD‐95‐CFP expression at the postsynaptic site.
We Don't Quite Know What We Are Talking About

Finance professionals, despite regular exposure to notions of volatility, seem to confuse mean absolute deviation with standard deviation. In some fat tailed markets, theoretical Gaussian variables can be underestimated by as much as 90%. It is not a lack of statistical knowledge that appears to be the impediment, but rather difficulty in translating a non-linear measure into a real-world application. Mental substitution of the two measures is consequential for decision-making and the perception of market variability.
National culture and infrastructure development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the predictive influence of national cultural models on national infrastructure development. The national culture models of Hofstede, GLOBE, Ronen and Shenkar, and the World and European Values Survey (WEVS), were measured and compared to ascertain the best prediction fit for national infrastructure development.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review examined four established cultural models, most of which (with the exception of the WEVS) assert stable, holistic models of national culture for business applications. The argument for cultural divergence in key moderators and mediators such as infrastructure development was also discussed. Then each model's predictability was measured with set correlation methodology, using GDP and population as co‐variates. Also, the marginal influence of the other three cultural typologies were controlled for in each respective analysis.Findings – Each model was found to have a positive significant prediction .
Revisiting Mrs. Machlup's wardrobe: the accumulation of international reserves, 1992–2001

A fature of the late 1990s was the accumulation of International reserves in many countries. Against the background of this phenomenon, in what follows we investigate the following questions: how widely has the tendency to accumulate reserves been seen? Does the incidence of a currency crisis increase the subsequent demand for reserves? Do countries make choices between different combinations of exchange rate regime and reserve holding? Does an arrangement with the IMF encourage countries subsequently to build up reserves more than they otherwise would have done? Do different patterns emerge depending upon the measure of reserves used? In addressing the above questions, we find significant support for the ‘Mrs. Machlup’s Wardrobe Theory' of international reserves, which purports that irrespective of the amount of reserves countries have accumulated, they continue to add to their stock.