Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innovation Trajectories within the Support of Decisions: Insights about S-Curve and Dominant Design Models

The research about the patterns of technology evolution is populated by descriptive models, explaining quite regular trends of product development processes. The most popular schemes share the idea of long innovation periods characterized by incremental improvements and punctuated by technological turmoil events. Within the engineering field, such pattern can be described by S-shaped curves depicting the growth of performances in charge of technological paradigms, which approach their natural limit after entering their maturity stage. The birth of a novel S-curve symbolizes the emergence of a new breakthrough technology, which is followed by the choice of a preferred paradigm in the industry, generally designated as Dominant Design. However, new exigencies expressed by practitioners have remarked the limitations of qualitative models. Whereas some contributions openly question the general validity of the described models, a remarkable amount of literature claims that certain conditions related to the inno.
Macro Models and Poverty Analysis: Theoretical Tensions and Empirical Practice

This article reviews economy-wide, multisectoral models and the issues involved when using them to analyse macro-poverty linkages in developing countries. It explores the theoretical underpinnings for simple SAM multiplier models, real-economy CGE models, and real-financial CGE models. The latter represent an 'eclectic' approach, which strives to build models that integrate elements from CGE and macro-financial models, the alternative, more applied, 'ecumenical' approach being to keep these models separate but specify ways through which they can communicate. Due to limited knowledge about the data and processes, the ability of analysts to address short-run distributional issues is limited; we therefore expect most progress in the analysis of medium- and long-run issues, using both eclectic and ecumenical approaches. Copyright Overseas Development Institute, 2005.
Natural resource management in national parks: a management assessment of a Natura 2000 wetlands site in Kotychi-Strofylia, southern Greece

In Europe, the establishment of the Natura 2000 network is one of the main actions that has been undertaken to contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity. However, the management system of sites included in the network is under question. The aim of this study was to assess the natural resource management applied to the National Park of the wetlands Kotychi-Strofylia, southern Greece, an important site belonging to the European ecological network Natura 2000, and the Ramsar convention. The methodological approach applied follows the general framework of International Unit for Nature Conservation/World Committee for Protected Areas (IUCN/WCPA) for the evaluation of protected areas, and it was based on field monitoring data with a view of providing information in achieving the stated management objectives. Two levels of indicators were used: the first concerned the evaluation of the management process and the second the evaluation of the management outputs and outcomes. The assessment of the natural resources management in the National Park showed that the management of the area is oriented towards biodiversity conservation and lies within the scope of the habitat directive and the ecological network Natura 2000. The framework applied and the methodological approach followed in this study appear to provide a useful basis for designing and conducting management evaluation. The indicators used at local scale can be integrated at regional- and national-scale projects of management evaluation, and, at the same time, the evaluation results can help local managers to improve management by taking the appropriate management measures. The analytical hierarchical conceptual flow suggested seems to be considered as an essential tool for evaluating natural resource management.
Production and disposition of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium in primary cultures of mouse astrocytes

Dopaminergic neurons are a primary target for 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) neurotoxicity. However, the conversion of MPTP to its neurotoxic 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium metabolite (MPP+) is likely to occur in astrocytes via the monoamine oxidase (MAO)‐dependent formation of the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydropyridinium intermediate (MPDP+). The main purpose of this study was to characterize the molecular mechanism(s) by which MPP+, once generated by astrocytes, may reach the extracellular space to become available for the active accumulation into dopaminergic neurons. Primary cultures of mouse astrocytes were used as an in vitro model system. After the addition of MPTP, levels of MPP+ were found to increase at constant rates both intracellularly at time points when no sign of cytotoxicity was evident. In contrast, MPDP+ levels remained quite stable during 4 days of incubation in the presence of MPTP. Finally, when astrocytes were allowed to accumulate MPP+ by pretreatment with either MPTP or MPP+ and then were incubated in fresh medium not containing MPTP or MPP+, intracellular levels of MPP+ rapidly declined and corresponding amounts of this compound were found in the incubation medium. Results of this study are compatible with the following conclusions: (1) the MPP+ accumulated in the extracellular compartment during incubations with MPTP is not released from astrocytes as a consequence of its own cytotoxic effects; (2) MPP+ can be formed extracellularly presumably via autoxidation of MPDP+ after this latter compound has been generated within astrocytes and has crossed astrocyte membranes; and (3) despite its charged chemical structure, MPP+ can cross the plasma membrane toward the extracellular space after being formed within astrocytes.
Cumulative manufacturing capabilities: an extended model and new empirical evidence

There has been intense debate in the manufacturing strategy literature on the way in which firms work on different manufacturing capabilities, with two opposing approaches considered – the trade-off model and the sand cone model. Analysis of these models has essentially been based on study of the links amongst four classic manufacturing capabilities (quality, delivery, flexibility, and cost efficiency) and has obviated the need to consider environmental protection as an important manufacturing capability. This study analyses the theoretical arguments and the prior empirical evidence on the two models, and proposes and tests an extended sand cone model which includes the environmental protection objective alongside the four traditional ones. The research uses structural equation modelling and data from a sample of 274 manufacturers to contribute additional empirical evidence on the existence of cumulative effects amongst manufacturing capabilities. It is observed that the predominant strategic model in these firms is one of multiple, non-incompatible capabilities with cumulative effects according to the following sequence: quality, delivery, flexibility, environmental protection, and cost efficiency.
Analysis of Raf-1 activation in response to TCR activation and costimulation in murine T-lymphocytes: effect of age.

Stimulation of the ERK (MAPK) pathway in T-lymphocytes contributes to cell activation and IL-2 production. The ERK pathway is initiated by the activation of the serine/threonine kinase Raf-1 in a Ras-dependent manner. Raf-1 activates the dual-specific kinase MEK, which in turn activates ERK. To see if aging leads to an alteration of Raf-1 kinase activity we performed in vitro kinase assays on Raf-1 isolated from CD4(+) T-cells from young and old mice. We found an age-related impairment in the kinase activity of Raf-1 in T-cells stimulated by a combination of antibodies to the CD3epsilon chain of the T-cell receptor and CD4. Aging led to a two- to fourfold decline in Raf-1 activity (depending on the stimulation time) without a change in the kinetics of enzyme activation. We also found that Raf-1 activation by CD3/CD4 costimulation is lower in memory cells than in naïve cells from mice of the same age. However, aging also leads to a decline in Raf-1 activity in the naïve subset of CD4(+) T-cells, suggesting that two mechanisms lead to the age related decline in Raf-1 function. Finally, we found that antibodies to the costimulatory molecule CD28 trigger Raf-1 activation and enhance anti-CD3-mediated Raf-1 activation but cannot restore Raf-1 activation levels from old T-cells to those seen in young mice. Our data suggest that age-dependent declines in T-cell ERK function are caused by alterations in the signals that activate Raf-1 and that age-dependent defects in T-cell cytokine production and proliferation may be caused at least in part by defects in signals that activate Raf-1.
Swimming against the tide: why Sweden supports increased labour mobility within and from outside the EU

While the free movement of labour in the EU is generally depicted as a positive feature of the single market, it was also controversial in the debate on EU enlargement. Actors opposing enlargement argued that large waves of migrants from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) would ‘swamp’ Western labour markets, leading to so-called social tourism and increasing xenophobia. Contrary to the developments in other countries, Sweden was one of the only three Member States to immediately open its doors to citizens from the EU accession countries of 2004 and 2007. Sweden has also been one of the few EU countries to actively promote greater liberalisation of labour migration policy for third-country nationals (TCNs) within the EU, and the new Swedish Immigration Law of 2008 dramatically liberalised the TCN labour migration policy and made it more employer-driven. We argue that in order to understand why Sweden has supported increased labour mobility within and from outside of the EU, we need to complement existing explanations by analysing the preferences of the political parties. A two-dimensional analysis focusing on economy and culture provides an understanding of why so-called unholy coalitions of parties in support of liberal labour policies have emerged in Sweden during the 2000s. The article ends with a discussion of lessons learned from the Swedish case and wider implications for rights-based mobility in the EU.
In the long run: Biological versus economic rationality

Eight computer simulations examined how long hypothetical gamblers could continue gambling without going broke in different games of chance. Gamblers began with a fixed amount of money and paid a fixed ante to play each game. Games had equal expected value but varied in their probability of winning and amount won. When the expected value was zero or positive, gamblers playing low ante, low-risk games (high chances of small wins) had longer runs than did gamblers playing high ante, high-risk games (low chances of big wins). When the expected value was negative, gamblers playing high-risk games had longer runs than gamblers playing low-risk games. The results extend Slobodkin and Rapoport’s concept of biological rationality and explain why people with limited wealth are wise to avoid risks in winning situations and take risks in losing situations, a central principle of prospect theory.
Ex-vivo hemoperfusion (eHPS) of pig-lungs with whole human blood: effects of complement inhibition with a soluble C1-esterase-inhibitor.

OBJECTIVES Xenotransplantation could be a future alternative to allotransplantation due to increasing organ shortage. Complement activation plays a major role in hyperacute rejection (HAR) in pig-to-human combinations. We developed an ex-vivo hemoperfusion (EHP) system to investigate pathophysiology of HAR in the lung. After standardizing the model, the effect of a soluble complement inhibitor (C1-INH, Berinert) was investigated. METHODS Pig lungs were harvested following cold perfusion with Celsior preservation solution. EHP was performed using fresh heparinized human blood plus C1-INH (n = 6) or heparinized human blood as control (n = 4). Bloodgas analyses (BGA), pulmonalarterial pressure (PAP) were monitored. P-selectin and L-selectin were measured. Tissue samples were taken and microscopic changes evaluated. RESULTS BGA, PAP, macroscopic and microscopic changes in the control group showed HAR, while the C1-INH group showed significantly longer function. Leucocytes and platelets were markedly activated in the control, whereas in the treated group L-selectin and P-selectin values indicated lower activation. HE stainings showed maintained lung architecture after perfusion of pig-lungs with human blood plus C1-INH. Immunohistochemistry showed less C1q, C3, C5b-9 activation in the C1-INH group. CONCLUSIONS Investigation of interaction of human blood with pig lung endothelium could be done in this model. C1-INH attenuates HAR in a pig-to-human lung transplantation model by decreasing the activation of adhesion molecules. C1-INH could play a role in induction therapy of future lung xenotransplantation.
What standardized tests ignore when assessing individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders / Lo que ignoran los tests estandarizados en la evaluación de personas con trastornos del neurodesarrollo

Abstract In this article we critique the use of traditional standardized tests for the cognitive assessment of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Limitations stem from the lack of integrating (a) results from research into the psychological functioning of these populations, and (b) the main arguments underlying models of human development. We identify four secondary issues in this discussion: (1) these instruments cannot be used with children who have particularly low cognitive functioning; (2) little or no variance in the scores obtained by individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, because all are at floor, prevent adequate interpretations; (3) measurements do not provide information useful for the design of intervention strategies; and (4) different cognitive and/or neural processes may underlie behavioural scores ‘in the normal range’. Rethinking traditional assessment methods in favour of technologically-mediated games yields new cognitive assessment possibilities.
Tumor suppressive effect of PARP1 and FOXO3A in gastric cancers and its clinical implications

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase1 (PARP1) has been reported as a possible target for chemotherapy in many cancer types. However, its action mechanisms and clinical implications for gastric cancer survival are not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated the effect of PARP1 inhibition in the growth of gastric cancer cells. PARP1 inhibition by Olaparib or PARP1 siRNA could significantly attenuate growth and colony formation of gastric cancer cells, and which were mediated through induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest but not apoptosis. FOXO3A expression was induced by PARP1 inhibition, suggesting that FOXO3A might be one of downstream target of the PARP1 effect on gastric cancer cell growth. In addition, by performing tissue microarrays on the 166 cases of gastric cancer patients, we could observe that the expression status of PARP1 and FOXO3A were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Strikingly, combined expression status of PARP1 and FOXO3A showed better prediction for patient's clinical outcomes. The patient group with PARP1+/FOXO3A− expression had the worst prognosis while the patient group with PARP1−/FOXO3A+ had the most favorable prognosis (OS: P = 6.0 × 10−9, RFS: P = 2.2 × 10−8). In conclusion, we suggest that PARP1 and FOXO3A play critical roles in gastric cancer progression, and might have therapeutic and/or diagnostic potential in clinic.
Mitotic frequency in different early stages of testicular seminoma

Summary. The proliferation behaviour of early seminoma was studied by analysis of the mitotic frequency in defined stages of tumour development: Carcinoma in‐situ, intratubular seminoma, intratubular seminoma with interstitial seminoma cells and solid seminoma.
The Governance of Financial Supervision: Recent Developments

This paper examines the evolution of financial supervision as a policy tool over the last three decades, with a focus on the issues raised by the Global Crisis. It considers a sample of advanced and emerging economies to discuss the four main questions debated in the literature, and addressed in the economic policy arena: the architecture of supervision, the role of the central bank as supervisor, the governance of supervision, and financial supervision vs. the internationalization of finance. Our survey finds that, on each of these issues, theory and practice do not offer clear‐cut answers and unambiguous optimal solutions. At the same time, the most promising approach is to tackle financial supervision as a principal‐agent problem, where economics and political economy approaches must be used in combination to improve both positive and normative analyses of supervisory governance.
A wideband simplified transformer-based VCO with digital amplitude calibration

In this paper a novel wideband transformer-based CMOS VCO with simplified topology and digital amplitude calibration is proposed. Owing to the digital amplitude calibration, the immunity to process, temperature and voltage supply variations is improved and a considerable reduction of power consumption is observed (i.e. over 25% in normal process corner, supply voltage and temperature). Besides, the simplified transformer-based VCO is able to optimize the performance by reducing the amount of noisy active devices. The proposed transformer-based VCO achieves a phase noise of −118.2 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from a 12.18 GHz carrier frequency. The VCO core draws 31 mA from a 1.1 V power supply. The tuning range is 68.8% at 9.15 GHz center frequency, while the figure-of-merit including the tuning range is −202.2.
Deaths attributable to Alzheimer's disease in the United States.

OBJECTIVES This study provided 2 estimates of the number of deaths attributable to Alzheimer's disease in the United States. METHODS One estimate was based on data from the East Boston, Mass, study. The second was based on a simulation using population-based estimates of prevalence and separate estimates of excess death by duration of disease. RESULTS Despite different methods and very different estimates of prevalence, these 2 methods led to very similar estimates of 173,000 and 163,000 excess deaths. CONCLUSIONS These estimates suggest that 7.1% of all deaths in the United States in 1995 are attributable to Alzheimer's disease, placing it on a par with cerebrovascular diseases as the third leading cause of death.
Partitioning algorithms for layout synthesis from register-transfer netlists

A sliced-layout architecture is presented to alleviate the problems of the general bit-sliced layouts. Also described are partitioning algorithms that are used to generate the floorplan for this layout architecture. The partitioning algorithms not only select the best suited layout style for each component, but also consider critical paths, I/O pin locations, and connections between logic blocks. This approach improves the overall area utilization and minimizes the total wire length. <<ETX>>
Roundtable discussion: applying sustainability legislation to events

Purpose – Environmental policies and sustainability‐focussed legislation has far‐reaching impacts across a range of aspects. This article attempts to provide a concise overview of four sustainability‐related imperatives, to understand how they apply to event management in practice and the challenges and opportunities these initiatives present within an event industry context.Design/methodology/approach – Event management professionals were asked to discuss four current sustainability agendas by examining how they could apply legislation applicable to water, waste, energy and big society to their planning and delivery of a client's event.Findings – An evident lack of knowledge on sustainability legislation was unearthed along with a resistance to learn about a new and seemingly vast subject matter. Core to successfully applying the legislation to their events were relationships with the client, venue and supplier. These were seen as both an opportunity and a hindrance.Practical implications – The discussio.
Ligand-modulated regulation of progesterone receptor messenger ribonucleic acid and protein in human breast cancer cell lines.

We have examined the effects of estrogen and progestin agonist and antagonist ligands on regulation of progesterone receptor (PR) protein and mRNA levels in a variety of human breast cancer cell lines. By Northern blot analysis, using human PR cDNA probes, PR mRNA in T47D and MCF-7 cells appears as five species of approximately 11.4, 5.8, 5.3, 3.5, and 2.8 kilobases. PR mRNA species are not detected in the PR protein-negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and LY2. T47D cells contain high levels of PR mRNA and protein (detected by hormone binding assay or Western blot analysis), and the PR protein and mRNA content of T47D cells are reduced to about 10% of the control level within 48 h of treatment with 10 nM promegestone; 17, 21-dimethyl-19-nor-pregna-4,9-diene-3, 20-dione (R5020) or 16 alpha-ethyl-21-hydroxy-19-nor-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione (ORG2058), both potent progestins. In contrast, treatment of T47D cells with the antiprogestin 17 beta-hydroxy-11 beta-[4-dimethylaminophenyl]-17 alpha-(1-propynyl)-estra- 4, 9-dien-3-one) (RU38486) reduces PR protein and mRNA levels only transiently. PR protein and mRNA are virtually undetectable in control MCF-7 cells grown in the absence of estrogens. When estradiol is administered to MCF-7 cells, the PR mRNA and protein levels increase gradually and proportionately (10- or 40-fold, respectively, in 3 days). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Viscosity Solutions of Infinite Dimensional Black-Scholes Equation and Numerical Approximations

This paper addresses the issues of the viscosity solution and its finite dierence approximation for an infinite dimensional Black-Scholes equation obtained from Chang and Youree [5]. The equation arises from a consideration of an European option pricing problem in a (B,S)market in which the stock price and the asset in the riskless bank account both have hereditary structures. Under a general condition on the payo function of the option, it is shown that the pricing function is the unique viscosity solution of the infinite dimensional Black-Scholes equation. In addition, a finite dierence approximation of the viscosity solution is also provided.