Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacology of Modality-Specific Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-1 Antagonists That Do Not Alter Body Temperature

The transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) channel is involved in the development and maintenance of pain and participates in the regulation of temperature. The channel is activated by diverse agents, including capsaicin, noxious heat (≥ 43°C), acidic pH (< 6), and endogenous lipids including N-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA). Antagonists that block all modes of TRPV1 activation elicit hyperthermia. To identify efficacious TRPV1 antagonists that do not affect temperature antagonists representing multiple TRPV1 pharmacophores were evaluated at recombinant rat and human TRPV1 channels with Ca2+ flux assays, and two classes of antagonists were identified based on their differential ability to inhibit acid activation. Although both classes of antagonists completely blocked capsaicin- and NADA-induced activation of TRPV1, select compounds only partially inhibited activation of the channel by protons. Electrophysiology and calcitonin gene-related peptide release studies confirmed the differential pharmacology of these antagonists at native TRPV1 channels in the rat. Comparison of the in vitro pharmacological properties of these TRPV1 antagonists with their in vivo effects on core body temperature confirms and expands earlier observations that acid-sparing TRPV1 antagonists do not significantly increase core body temperature. Although both classes of compounds elicit equivalent analgesia in a rat model of knee joint pain, the acid-sparing antagonist tested is not effective in a mouse model of bone cancer pain.
Modeling of Substrate Noise Generation, Isolation, and Impact for an LC-VCO and a Digital Modem on a Lightly-Doped Substrate

Substrate noise generated by the digital circuits on a mixed-signal IC can severely disturb the analog and RF circuits sharing the same substrate. Simulations at the circuit level of the substrate noise coupling in large systems-on-chip (SoCs) do not provide the necessary understanding in the problem. Analysis at a higher level of abstraction gives much more insight in the coupling mechanisms. This paper presents a physical model to estimate and understand the substrate noise generation by a digital modem, the propagation of this noise and the resulting performance degradation of LC tank VCOs. The proposed linearized model is fast to derive and to evaluate, while remaining accurate. It is validated with measurements on two test structures: a reference design and a design with a p+/n-well (digital) guard ring. Both structures contain a functional 40k gate digital modem and a 0.18 mum 3.5 GHz CMOS LC-VCO on a lightly-doped substrate. In both cases, the model accurately predicts the level of the spurious components appearing at the VCO output due to the digital switching activity. The error remains smaller than 3 dB. Finally, we demonstrate how the proposed model enables a systematic and controlled isolation strategy to suppress substrate noise coupling problems. As an example, the model is used to determine suitable dimensions for a digital guard ring
Taking Aim at Business

Although business and society scholars have sought to demonstrate that corporate social performance (CSP) leads to corporate financial performance (CFP), a complete model of the pathway from CSP to CFP has not been substantiated. One suggestion is that certain indicators of CSP are noticed by stakeholders, who then act in ways that ultimately affect the firm's CFP. The present study focused on the first step in this path: identifying the factors that initially lead a stakeholder group to target a particular firm. Existing theory from the literature on the environmental movement, stakeholder theory, and CSP fostered the development of eight propositions regarding corporate environmental performance. Case studies of five environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) are used to address the propositions. The case studies also supply additional insight into ENGO targeting of particular firms, unrelated to the propositions, thereby facilitating the development of a theoretical model.
Constitutive association of Mcm2‐3‐5 proteins with chromatin in Entamoeba histolytica

Eukaryotic cells duplicate their genome once and only once per cell cycle. Our earlier studies with the protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, have shown that genome reduplication may occur several times without nuclear or cellular division. The Mcm2–7 protein complex is required for licensing of DNA replication. In an effort to understand whether genome reduplication occurs due to absence or failure of the DNA replication licensing system, we analysed the function of Mcm2‐3‐5 proteins in E. histolytica. In this study, we have cloned E. histolytica (Eh) MCM2 and Eh MCM5 genes, while Eh MCM3 was cloned earlier. The sequence of Eh MCM2‐3‐5 genes is well conserved with other eukaryotic homologues. We have shown that Eh Mcm2,3 proteins are functional in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our studies in E. histolytica showed that Eh Mcm2‐3‐5 proteins are associated with chromatin constitutively in cycling cells and during arrest of DNA synthesis induced by serum starvation. Alternation of genome duplication with mitosis is regulated by association–dissociation of Mcm2–7 proteins with chromatin in other eukaryotes. Our results suggest that constitutive association of Mcm proteins with chromatin could be one of the reasons why genome reduplication occurs in E. histolytica.
Enhanced visual realism by incorporating camera image effects

In video see-through augmented reality (AR), virtual objects are overlaid over digital video images. One particular problem of this image mixing process is that the visual appearance of the computer graphics differs strongly from the real background image. The reason for this is that typical AR systems use fast but simple real-time rendering techniques for displaying virtual objects. In this paper, methods for reducing the impact of three effects which make virtual and real objects easily distinguishable are presented. The first effect is camera image noise, which is contained in the data delivered by the image sensor used for capturing the real scene. The second effect considered is edge aliasing, which makes distinguishing virtual objects from real objects simple. Finally, we consider motion blur, which is caused by the temporal integration of color intensities in the image sensor during fast movements of the camera or observed objects. In this paper, we present a system for generating a realistic simulation of image noise based on a new camera calibration step. Additionally, a rendering algorithm is introduced, which performs a smooth blending between the camera image and virtual objects at their boundary in order to reduce aliasing. Lastly, a rendering method is presented, which produces motion blur according to the current camera movement. The implementation of the new rendering techniques utilizes the programmability of modern graphics processing units (GPUs) and delivers real-time frame rates.
Sparse Process Flexibility Structure via Constraint Sampling

Consider the linear optimization problem Z(b) = max{ ∑n i=1 cixi : Ax≤ b; xi ≥ 0, i = 1, . , n}, where ci ≥ 0, b ≥ 0, and A is a m × n matrix. If n > m, it is well known that there is an optimal solution x∗ with the property that |{i : xi > 0}| ≤m. In particular, there is no loss in optimality if we discard up to n−m of the variables, retaining only the m variables needed to support the optimal solution x∗. In this paper, we study a generalization of this phenomenon when b is random. We identify a class of condition under which only a sparse support set of variables (much smaller than n) is needed so that the expected value of the optimal solution will be within a factor of (1− ) from Eb(Z(b)). This problem is motivated by the process flexibility problem studied by Jordan and Graves (1995). They showed that by adding a small number of links to the process flexibility structure of a dedicated production system, they can dramatically enhance the ability of the system to match demand with production capacity. This observation has been empirically verified in numerous computational studies, in a variety of production and service systems. Our approach provides a theoretical justification to this phenomenon under appropriate conditions. We also discuss applications of this approach to a class of transshipment problem.
Assessing school efficiency in Portugal using FDH and bootstrapping

This study explores a new data set that contains information both on inputs and outputs for a sample of Portuguese secondary schools. An FDH reference technology is used to determine radial technical efficiency scores and slacks. Although it is known that there is no reason to assume convexity in the study of education efficiency frontiers, this is the first study ever to use FDH at the school level, effectively relaxing the convexity assumption. A two–stage approach is used, whereby the significant environmental variables that explain FDH efficiency scores and slacks are identified. For the purpose of statistical inference, the first application of the bootstrapping algorithms suggested by Simar and Wilson (2003) is conducted. The study concludes that the unemployment rate, access to health care services, adult education and living infrastructures are determinants of school efficiency. The differences between the coast and the interior of Portugal seem to be more relevant, as far as school efficiency is concerned, than whether or not the school belongs to one of the major coast metropolitan areas.
The Directed Disjoint Shortest Paths Problem

In the k disjoint shortest paths problem (k-DSPP), we are given a graph and its vertex pairs (s_1, t_1), . , (s_k, t_k), and the objective is to find k pairwise disjoint paths P_1, . , P_k such that each path P_i is a shortest path from s_i to t_i, if they exist. If the length of each edge is equal to zero, then this problem amounts to the disjoint paths problem, which is one of the well-studied problems in algorithmic graph theory and combinatorial optimization. Eilam-Tzoreff (1998) focused on the case when the length of each edge is positive, and showed that the undirected version of 2-DSPP can be solved in polynomial time. Polynomial solvability of the directed version was posed as an open problem by Eilam-Tzoreff (1998). In this paper, we solve this problem affirmatively, that is, we give a first polynomial time algorithm for the directed version of 2-DSPP when the length of each edge is positive. Note that the 2 disjoint paths problem in digraphs is NP-hard, which implies that the directed 2-DSPP is NP-hard if the length of each edge can be zero. We extend our result to the case when the instance has two terminal pairs and the number of paths is a fixed constant greater than two. We also show that the undirected k-DSPP and the vertex-disjoint version of the directed k-DSPP can be solved in polynomial time if the input graph is planar and k is a fixed constant.
Bronchiolitis obliterans following lung transplantation: early detection using computed tomographic scanning

Background: Computed tomographic (CT) scanning may enable earlier diagnosis of chronic lung allograft dysfunction than forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). A study was undertaken to determine intra-observer and inter-observer agreement of composite and air trapping CT scores, to examine the association of FEV1 with the composite and air trapping CT score, and to relate the baseline composite CT score to changes in FEV1 and changes in the composite CT score over 1 year. Methods: Lung function and baseline CT scans following transplantation and at subsequent annual follow ups were analysed in 38 lung transplant recipients. Scans were randomly scored by two observers for bronchiectasis, mucus plugging, airway wall thickening, consolidation, mosaic pattern, and air trapping, and re-scored after 1 month. CT scores were expressed on a scale of 0–100 and correlated with FEV1 as a percentage of the post-transplant baseline value. Results: The mean (SD) interval between baseline and follow up CT scans was 11.2 (4.7) months. Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement was good for both the composite and air trapping CT scores. There was a significant association between FEV1 and the composite CT score, with each unit of worsening in the baseline composite CT score predicting a 1.55% and 1.37% worsening in FEV1 over the following year (p<0.0001) and a 1.25 and 1.12 unit worsening in the composite CT score (p<0.0001) for observers 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusion: These findings indicate a potential role for a composite CT scoring system in the early detection of bronchiolitis obliterans.
On Consensus in Belief Merging

We define a consensus postulate in the propositional belief merging setting. In a nutshell, this postulate imposes the merged base to be consistent with the pieces of information provided by each agent involved in the merging process. The interplay of this new postulate with the IC postulates for belief merging is studied, and an incompatibility result is proved. The maximal sets of IC postulates which are consistent with the consensus postulate are exhibited. When satisfying some of the remaining IC postulates, consensus operators are shown to suffer from a weak inferential power. We then introduce two families of consensus operators having a better inferential power by setting aside some of these postulates.
Foreign Stock Exchange Listings: A Case Study of Daimler-Benz

The purpose of this case study is to discuss if the benefits to Daimler-Benz of complying with SEC disclosure requirements to list and raise capital on the New York Stock Exchange exceed the costs of the additional disclosures. This is also the key question that other German companies will have to answer as they consider the possibility of listing in the U.S. We identify and discuss the costs and benefits of listing on foreign stock exchanges, the process of listing on the New York Stock Exchange, the major factors influencing Daimler-Benz's decision to list on the New York Stock Exchange, key differences between German and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the impact of U.S. GAAP on Daimler-Benz s reported earnings and shareholders equity, and responses to Daimler-Benz s listing. With respect to the latter issue, we look at comments in the German press, the number of analysts forecasts of Daimler- Benz's earnings as reported in the International Brokerage Estimate System, and the reaction of the capital markets to Daimler-Benz's announcements that it would comply with SEC reporting requirements and that it would list on the New York Stock Exchange, and the reaction to the actual listing itself. The most important factors that Daimler-Benz considered in its decision to list on the New York Stock Exchange are a management perception of a market saturation of Damiler-Benz shares on the German Stock Exchanges, a heavy reliance on a few providers of capital, and an intended globalization of the financing of Daimler-Benz as a part of Daimler s overall globalization strategy. The literature points out significant differences in accounting standards between Germany and the United States, and these differences were highlighted in Daimler-Benz s reconciled financial statements. In general, U.S. GAAP income for Daimler-Benz varied significantly relative to German GAAP, i.e., U.S. GAAP income was lower in l992 and l993 but higher in l99l. However, shareholders equity was significantly higher in U.S. GAAP than under German GAAP in all three years. The results of the capital markets tests suggest a negative capital market reaction to the listing of Daimler-Benz on the New York Stock Exchange. In terms of price volatility and beta, the variance of returns on Daimler-Benz's shares increased after listing on the New York Stock Exchange, and beta decreased after the announcement and the listing. However, other factors, such as Daimler-Benz s announcement of a major restructuring of the company at the same time, could have had a strong influence on returns, volatility, and beta.
High-dose antithrombin III treatment of severely injured patients: results of a prospective study.

BACKGROUND Antithrombin III (AT III) treatment has been shown to reduce disseminated intravascular coagulation and to inhibit thrombin, which plays a central role in the activation of platelets and other inflammatory systems in conditions with severe inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of early and high-dose administration of AT III to patients with severe multiple injuries on the inflammatory response and outcome. METHODS In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 40 consecutive patients with Injury Severity Scores of 29 or greater who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to receive either AT III or placebo within 360 minutes after trauma. Twenty patients were administered AT III for a period of 4 days, aiming to achieve AT III concentrations of 140% of normal. RESULTS The AT III and placebo groups were comparable with respect to Injury Severity Score, age, incidence of blood pressure less than 80 mm Hg on admission, initial base deficit, and start of the test drug. The patients in the AT III group received a total of about 20,000 IU during the first 4 days. AT III levels of 130 to 140% could be achieved by this regimen, whereas in the control group the AT III concentration averaged about 70%. In the AT III group prothrombin tended to be elevated and prothrombin fragment F1+2 as well as thrombin-AT III complex tended to be lower on the first day. No differences between groups, however, could be observed with respect to partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, platelets, plasminogen activator inhibitor I, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II, neutrophil elastase, interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, and IL-8. Mortality (15 vs. 5%), incidence of respiratory failure (55 vs. 55%), duration of mechanical ventilation (13 vs. 12 days), and length of stay in the surgical intensive care unit (19 vs. 21 days) were also similar in both treatment groups. The duration of organ failure, however, was shorter in the patients receiving AT III. CONCLUSION The early and high-dose administration of AT III to patients with severe blunt trauma appears not to attenuate the posttraumatic inflammatory response or to significantly improve outcome.
Mycobacterial protein tyrosine kinase, PtkA phosphorylates PtpA at tyrosine residues and the mechanism is stalled by the novel series of inhibitors

Abstract Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation are the key mechanisms for mycobacterial physiology and play critical roles in mycobacterial survival and in its pathogenesis. Mycobacteria evade host immune mechanism by inhibiting phagosome – lysosome fusion in which mycobacterial protein tyrosine phosphatase A (PtpA;TP) plays an indispensable role. Tyrosine kinase (PtkA;TK) activated by autophosphorylation; phosphorylates TP, which subsequently leads to increase in its phosphatase activity. The phosphorylated TP is secreted in phagosome of macrophage. In the present study, we have shown that the phosphorylation at two sites of TP; Y128 and Y129 are critical for TK-mediated phosphatase activity. The disruption of this interaction between TK and TP inhibits activation of later which further leads to the decrease in intracellular survival of mycobacteria. Furthermore, the proof of concept has been established using benzylbenzofurans and benzofuranamides, which inhibit the growth and intracellular survival of mycobacteria, associate with the functional sites of TP and contend with the TK. This binding was further restated by looking at the anchorage of protein–protein and the protein–inhibitor complexes in the homology-based structure models and by surface plasmon resonance analysis.
Accounting Methods and Management Decisions: The Case of Inventory Costing and Inventory Policy

This study investigates whether associations consistent with LIFO-FIFO tax incentives exist between management choices to adopt or not adopt the LIFO inventory costing method and characteristics of firms' year-end inventories. Both pre- and postchoice characteristics are ex- amined. Because the LIFO-FIFO choice is voluntary, a postchoice association would be consistent with managers both anticipating future inventory characteristics when making a LIFO-FIFO choice and changing inventory management policies in response to that choice. Evidence consistent with the hypothesis that LIFO adoptions are associated with changes in inventory management policies would have important macroeconomic implications. Zarnowitz and Moore [1977] have argued that a failure to recognize the major shift in inventory costing methods which occurred in 1973 and 1974 (primarily FIFO to LIFO) resulted in an underestimation of inventory accumulations by the U.S. Department of Commerce. This underestimation resulted from the different procedures used under LIFO and FIFO to assign costs to inventory units. While this effect of LIFO-FIFO choices can bias macroeconomic measurements and forecasts, an associated change in inventory management policies by a large number of firms could directly affect underlying macroeconomic stocks and flows.
Increased AKT Activity Contributes to Prostate Cancer Progression by Dramatically Accelerating Prostate Tumor Growth and Diminishing p27Kip1 Expression*

The PTEN tumor suppressor gene is frequently inactivated in human prostate cancers, particularly in more advanced cancers, suggesting that the AKT/protein kinase B (PKB) kinase, which is negatively regulated by PTEN, may be involved in human prostate cancer progression. We now show that AKT activation and activity are markedly increased in androgen-independent, prostate-specific antigen-positive prostate cancer cells (LNAI cells) established from xenograft tumors of the androgen-dependent LNCaP cell line. These LNAI cells show increased expression of integrin-linked kinase, which is putatively responsible for AKT activation/Ser-473 phosphorylation, as well as for increased phosphorylation of the AKT target protein, BAD. Furthermore, expression of the p27Kip1 cell cycle regulator was diminished in LNAI cells, consistent with the notion that AKT directly inhibits AFX/Forkhead-mediated transcription of p27Kip1. To assess directly the impact of increased AKT activity on prostate cancer progression, an activated hAKT1 mutant was overexpressed in LNCaP cells, resulting in a 6-fold increase in xenograft tumor growth. Like LNAI cells, these transfectants showed dramatically reduced p27Kip1 expression. Together, these data implicate increased AKT activity in prostate tumor progression and androgen independence and suggest that diminished p27Kip1expression, which has been repeatedly associated with prostate cancer progression, may be a consequence of increased AKT activity.
Understanding Desistance from Crime

The study of desistance from crime is hampered by definitional, measurement, and theoretical incoherence. A unifying framework can distinguish termination of offending from the process of desistance. Termination is the point when criminal activity stops and desistance is the underlying causal process. A small number of factors are sturdy correlates of desistance (e. g., good marriages, stable work, transformation of identity, and aging). The processes of desistance from crime and other forms of problem behavior appear to be similar. Several theoretical frameworks can be employed to explain the process of desistance, including maturation and aging, developmental, life-course, rational choice, and social learning theories. A life-course perspective provides the most compelling framework, and it can be used to identify institutional sources of desistance and the dynamic social processes inherent in stopping crime.