Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subcellular proteomics of cell differentiation: Quantitative analysis of the plasma membrane proteome of Caco‐2 cells

Human colorectal carcinoma (Caco‐2) cells undergo in culture spontaneous enterocytic differentiation, characterized by polarization and appearance of the functional apical brush border membrane. To provide insights into the biology of differentiation, we have performed a comparative proteomic analysis of the plasma membranes from proliferating cells (PCs) and the apical membranes from differentiated cells (DCs). Proteins were resolved by SDS‐PAGE, in‐gel digested and analyzed by RP‐LC and MS/MS. Alternatively, proteins were digested in solution, and tryptic peptides were labeled with isotopic tags and analyzed by 2‐D LC followed by MS/MS. Among the 1125 proteins identified in both proteomes, 76 were found to be significantly increased in the membranes of DCs and 61 were increased in PCs. Majority of the proteins increased in the apical membranes were metabolic enzymes, proteins involved in the maintenance of cellular structure, transmembrane transporters, and proteins regulating vesicular transport. In contrast, majority of the proteins increased in the membranes of PCs were involved in gene expression, protein synthesis, and folding. Both groups contained many novel proteins with yet to be identified functions, which could provide potential new markers of the intestinal cells or of colorectal cancer.
New Evidence on Credit Card Borrowing and Repayment Patterns

A new dataset allows researchers to examine patterns of credit card use for both borrowing and payoff. This article addresses changes in these behaviors for different birth cohorts by estimating cohort‐adjusted age profiles for debt and payoff rates based on a time series of cross sections. Younger consumers are found to be borrowing more heavily and repaying at lower rates than older generations. The accumulation of credit card debt is found to continue over the lifecycle. This has implications for recent changes in laws governing the credit card industry. Increases in minimum required payment rates are examined and are found to increase actual payoff rates more than proportionately.
The Evolution of the Industrial Earnings Structure: The 'Geological Theory.'

The evolution of the industrial earnings structure: the 'geological theory. ' This paper examines John T. Dunlop's thesis that the contemporary interindustry earnings structure of a country the United States in this study reflects the course of the nation's industrialization. The theory is termed 'geological' because the contemporary wage structure is viewed as having evolved by an essentially geological process. The oldest manufacturing industries (e.g. textiles, footwear, etc.) had to offer a wage premium in order to secure the necessary transfer of manpower from agriculture. Subsequently, non-economic forces of custom and tradition have successfully maintained the transitory pay differential. Each subsequent new industry had to attract employees by offering increasingly attractive wages. The newest industries (e.g. computers, aircraft) now pay the highest wage premiums. Alternative regression models are employed in support of the thesis.
A static backward taint data analysis method for detecting web application vulnerabilities

This paper addresses detecting taint-style vulnerabilities in PHP code. It extends classical taint-style model with an element called “cleans”, which is used to specify sanitation routines. Based on the new model, a static backward taint data analysis method is proposed to detecting taint-style vulnerabilities. This method includes four key steps, first of which is collecting sinks and constructing contexts, the second is backward tracing variables during a basic block, the third is tracing variables between blocks, and the last is tracing variables crossing function call. A tool called POSE implements this method and testing results show that the method is valid for detecting taint-style web application vulnerabilities.
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Pharmaceuticals: A Consumer Perspective from New Zealand

New Zealand is one of only two countries in the world that allows direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising. Such advertising has increased dramatically since the mid-1990s, and a wide range of promotional activities currently takes place. Compliance with the legislation occurs through an industry body that hears complaints over alleged breaches. The weakness of the organized consumer sector in the country means there is a paucity of complaints, yet a self-regulating system is reliant on complaints for compliance. The author describes the unsatisfactory experience of taking a complaint and examines the argument that DTC advertising provides consumers with important information. The author measures DTC advertising against criteria for quality health information and finds it wanting.
A Capabilities Perspective on the Evolution of Firm Boundaries: A Comparative Case Example from the Portuguese Moulds Industry

The issue of vertical firm boundaries continues to attract interest both for economics and management research. The transaction cost economics approach, emphasizing transaction-specific assets and opportunism in order to explain discrete 'make-or-buy' decisions, dominates the literature. Nevertheless, alternative perspectives, developed under the guise of the capabilities, competence or knowledge-based theories of the firm, have gained attention recently. They focus on the evolutionary dynamics of boundaries in the context of the division of labour among firms in an industry and on what is to be divided and co-ordinated - i.e. productive knowledge. The conceptual links between this line of research, which some refer to as neo-Marshallian, and the Industrial Networks approach are explored in this paper. The paper emphasizes both a vision of firms as sets of direct and indirect capabilities, developed and combined in different ways over time, and the connectedness between inter-firm relationships. The discussion is illustrated with the cases of two firms, which are contrasted in terms of the dynamic evolution of their boundaries. The analysis made supports the argument that firms' vertical boundaries reflect their relationships with specific counterparts and the way they address through time the division and integration of knowledge through the configuration of direct and indirect, counterpart specific, capabilities. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2004.
Specification and Estimation of Equilibrium Search Models

This paper considers estimation of a pure equilibrium search model in which all heterogeneity is endogenous and due to information asymmetries, and of variations that allow better fits to the data. Measurement error and heterogeneity in the productivity levels of firms. The model is fit to a random sample of individuals representing 1% of the Danish population in the age group 16-75 years over the period 1981-90. All specifications are fit by maximum likelihood and provide readily interpretable parameter estimates. Variation in estimates across demographic groups is discussed. Several parameters are common across specifications, and their estimates are reasonably robust. (Copyright: Elsevier)
[Sexual development characteristics and sex hormone levels in obese male adolescents].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the characteristics of sexual development and sex hormone levels in obese male adolescents. METHODS We included 156 obese male adolescents with micropenis and microorchidia in an observation group and 50 healthy ones in a control group. We measured the body mass index (BMI), penile natural length and testicular volume, investigated the incidence of spermatorrhea and the age of the first spermatorrhea, detected the levels of serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) using radioimmunoassay, and calculated TT/E2 and testosterone secretion index (TSI). RESULTS Compared with the healthy controls, the obese adolescents showed significantly higher BMI ([20.4 +/- 1.6] vs [27.1 +/- 2.2] kg/m2, P < 0.05), but shorter penile natural length ([6.7 +/- 2.1] vs [5.6 +/- 1.7] cm, P < 0.05) and lower testis volume ([9.9 +/- 3.1] vs [7.6 +/- 2.3] cm3, P < 0.05). The incidence of spermatorrhea was significantly decreased in the observation group in comparison with that of the control (chi2 = 17.335, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the age of the first spermatorrhea between the two groups (P > 0.05). The levels of LH, E2 and P were remarkably higher in the observation group than in the control ([7.82 +/- 2.14] vs [5.39 +/- 1.76] mIU/ml, P < 0.05; [48.57 +/- 8.34] vs [8.61 +/- 4.08] pg/ml, P < 0.01; and [1.25 +/- 0.58] vs [0.64 +/- 0.19] ng/ml, P < 0.05), while TT and FT were markedly lower in the former than in the latter ([0.73 +/- 0.20] vs [1.47 +/- 0.41] ng/ml, P < 0.01 and [5.09 +/- 2.60] vs [11.28 +/- 4.72] pg/ml, P < 0.01), and so were the TT/E2 ratio and TSI (0.015 +/- 0.004 vs 0.173 +/- 0.037 and 0.098 +/- 0.026 vs 0.272 +/- 0.084, P < 0.01). BMI was correlated positively to PRL and E2, but negatively to TT, FT, TT/E2 and TSI (P < 0.05); the penile natural length positively to TT, FT, TT/E2 and TSI, but negatively to E2 (P < 0.05); and the mean testis volume positively to TT, FT, TT/E2 and TSI, but negatively to LH, PRL and E2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Testis dysplasia and alteration of sex hormone levels exist in obese male adolescents. Obesity and fat accumulation lead to increased E2 and decreased TT and FT, particularly the reduction of TT/E2 and TSI, which suggest that the body fat content has an important influence on the development of the male reproductive system.
Performance and benchmarks of participating nations in Beijing Olympics using the DEA approach

In this paper, data envelopment analysis (DEA), a well known and effective tool for relative efficiency assessment, is used for measuring the performance of 86 participating nations that won at least one medal in Beijing Olympics. This approach considers two inputs (GDP and population) and three outputs (number of gold, silver and bronze medals won), and variable returns to scale are assumed. As both of the two inputs are non-discretionary variables which can not be controlled by decision makers, we choose an output-oriented DEA model for assessing the efficiency scores of participating countries. Performance indexes as well as benchmarks are analysed for each country. For the efficient participants, a performance index related to the benchmark is attained for expressing a complete ranking, while for the inefficient nations, a benchmarking result is provided for each of them to improve performance.
Effects of uncertainties in shaft mechanical parameters on maximum torsional torques in meshed networks with HVDC lines

The paper presents analysis of the torsional torques of a turbine generator rotor system in a meshed AC network with monopolar HVDC link following symmetrical and asymmetrical faults. The emphasis of the work is on establishing the influence of uncertainties in the mechanical parameters of turbine-generator shaft system on maximum torsional torques. Three loading conditions of turbine generator are considered and different types of faults are simulated for each loading condition. A full multi stage turbine model, a four machine meshed AC network and a classical, Line Current Commutated, HVDC system model are developed in DIgSILENT Power Factory environment. Uncertainties in mechanical parameters of turbine-generator shafts are modeled using probability density functions to assess more realistically their effects on maximum torsional torques.
Process design principles in service firms: Universal or context dependent? A literature review and new research directions

The aim of this article is to assess whether process design principles derived from best practices are universally applicable to service organisations or context dependent. This is achieved through a comprehensive review of the business process management (BPM) and operations management (OM) literatures. Our comparison of the existing bodies of knowledge in these disciplines reveals major inconsistencies in how the topic of process design in service environments is addressed. Drawing on the more mature, contingency-oriented OM literature, we challenge the BPM discipline which prescribes that process design principles derived from best practices are universally applicable irrespective of the context in which the service organisation operates. The results strongly suggest that in the business process design area one size does not fit all service organisations and that some design principles fit better under certain contextual conditions. We then use these findings to develop a contingency conceptual framework and associated research propositions linking the firm's service strategy context to the use of particular business process design principles. This extends existing theory and provides a platform for future process design research in service organisations that is more closely aligned with the needs of practitioners.
Spreadsheets and the financial planning process: a case study of resistance to change

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and explain the barriers that prevented the case study organisation, a UK manufacturing and R&D subsidiary of a European transnational company, from improving its spreadsheet‐based financial planning process.Design/methodology/approach – This is an insider action research case study, using qualitative semi‐structured interviews to ask accountants their opinions on budgeting and whether the present spreadsheet‐based budgeting system could be improved. In addition, a quantitative questionnaire was used to ask managers their views on whether budgeting was a help or a hindrance.Findings – Changes to the existing financial planning process were not implemented because they threatened to alter the existing distribution of power within the finance organisation.Research limitations/implications – The research project could not have proceeded into an implementation of change cycle due to financial constraints and because the manufacturing sites where the study too.
Effects of perceived quality and satisfaction on brand loyalty in China: The moderating effect of customer orientation

The domain of customer orientation, perceived quality and brand loyalty has been well documented in the Western market (for example, Europe and US). However, the afore-mentioned themes are underexplored in the Chinese market. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of customer orientation, perceived quality and satisfaction on brand loyalty. Both perceived quality and customer satisfaction are hypothetically associated with brand loyalty through customer orientation acting as a moderating variable. Our study of 547 surveyed customers shows that endogenous constructs have an impact on brand loyalty. Our results present an alternative perspective on the moderating role of customer orientation. Conclusions and implications are drawn and discussed for brand loyalty development.
Is There an Energy Efficiency Gap?

Many analysts have argued that energy efficiency investments offer an enormous "win-win" opportunity to both reduce negative externalities and save money. This overview paper presents a simple model of investment in energy-using capital stock with two types of market failures: first, uninternalized externalities from energy consumption, and second, forces such as imperfect information that cause consumers and firms not to exploit privately-profitable energy efficiency investments. The model clarifies that only if the second type of market failure cannot be addressed directly through mechanisms such as information provision, energy efficiency subsidies and standards may be merited. We therefore review the empirical work on the magnitude of profitable unexploited energy efficiency investments, a literature which frequently does not meet modern standards for credibly estimating the net present value of energy cost savings and often leaves other benefits and costs unmeasured. These problems notwithstanding, recent empirical work in a variety of contexts implies that on average the magnitude of profitable unexploited investment opportunities is much smaller than engineering-accounting studies suggest. Finally, there is tremendous opportunity and need for policy-relevant research that utilizes randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental techniques to estimate the returns to energy efficiency investments and the welfare effects of energy efficiency programs.
Molecular biology and pathology of human elastin.

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Unusual Marine Pathogens Causing Cellulitis and Bacteremia in Hemodialysis Patients: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Cellulitis in immunocompetent hosts is usually caused by skin organisms and responds to oral antibiotics. In immunocompromised hosts, such as end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, unusual organisms with unpredictable pathogenicity can cause infections. We present two cases with isolates that are usually encountered in coastal waters. The first case describes a 71‐year‐old African‐American ESRD patient who presented with bacteremia secondary to a wound infection after exposure to flood waters in a tropical storm. The second case describes a 70‐year‐old Caucasian male ESRD patient who developed septic shock after a trivial wound inflicted while on a shrimp boat. Both patients were successfully treated with appropriate antibiotics and supportive measures.
Signatures of Demographic History and Natural Selection in the Human Major Histocompatibility Complex Loci

Many lines of evidence show that several HLA loci have experienced balancing selection. However, distinguishing among demographic and selective explanations for patterns of variation observed with HLA genes remains a challenge. In this study we address this issue using data from a diverse set of human populations at six classical HLA loci and, employing a comparative genomics approach, contrast results for HLA loci to those for non-HLA markers. Using a variety of analytic methods, we confirm and extend evidence for selection acting on several HLA loci. We find that allele frequency distributions for four of the six HLA loci deviate from neutral expectations and show that this is unlikely to be explained solely by demographic factors. Other features of HLA variation are explained in part by demographic history, including decreased heterozygosity and increased LD for populations at greater distances from Africa and a similar apportionment of genetic variation for HLA loci compared to putatively neutral non-HLA loci. On the basis of contrasts among different HLA loci and between HLA and non-HLA loci, we conclude that HLA loci bear detectable signatures of both natural selection and demographic history.
Envelope wages in Central and Eastern Europe and the EU

This article reports the first cross-national evaluation of the prevalence of a little discussed wage arrangement where formal employers pay their formal employees two wages, one declared and the other an undeclared ‘envelope wage’. Analysing the results of a 2007 survey conducted in the 27 European Union member states, the finding is that some 5% of employees in formal employment receive an additional undeclared wage from their formal employer which amounts on average to some two-fifths of their wage packet. However, this employment practice is found to be markedly more prevalent in East-Central European countries, where some 11% of formal employees receive an undeclared wage and this is more often paid for their regular employment hours, which is in stark contrast to Continental Europe and Nordic countries, where such wages are less common and received mostly for overtime or extra work performed. The article concludes by discussing how this neglected but nevertheless significant practice might be tackled.
The Future of Planning Appeals in Western Australia

The current planning appeals system in Western Australia is unique in that an aggrieved applicant can appeal to either the Minister for Planning or the Town Planning Appeal Tribunal (but not both). (In every other Australian state planning appeals are heard by a court or tribunal.) The Minister determines the majority of planning appeals in Western Australia; in 1996, the Minister determined some 789 appeals of a total of 804 appeals. The Minister, on professional advice from a staff member, provides an informal review of the case and advises the appellant and respondent of his/her decision in writing. The main advantage of the ministerial system is that it is relatively cheap and easy for appellants as there is no need for legal representation and engaging of witnesses. Other advantages are that the process is relatively informal and decisions are generally quicker than those of the tribunal (Chapman, 1997). Another advantage of the ministerial system (from an appellant’s viewpoint) is that the Minister may consider compassionate grounds in determining an appeal. In some cases the Minister has allowed an appeal that was clearly contrary to established policy on the basis that a development approval would mitigate adverse personal circumstances (e.g.  nancial hardship, ill health). This is despite established case law which has established that personal hardship is not a relevant planning consideration (Stein, 1997a). A right of appeal is a common feature of planning systems across many countries, particularly western democracies. Urban and regional planning is seen by many to be an erosion of traditional common-law property interests in land and an appeal right is seen as important to allow those affected by planning decisions to have a decision reviewed. Planning decisions have also been described as imprecise and ad hoc (Stein, 1995), and appeal processes allow decisions taken by planning authorities to be examined and evaluated to ensure that planning powers are not exercised arbitrarily. The process by which planning appeals are investigated, heard and determined can vary signi cantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions a specialist court or tribunal determines planning appeals, while in other regions they are heard by a representative board or government minister. The focus of the present paper is Western Australia, where the regional state government is considering revising the planning appeals system. The strengths and weaknesses of the current appeal system are examined and comments offered on the model being proposed. Comparisons are drawn between the proposed model and planning appeals systems within Australia, New Zealand, and England and Wales. The model is found to be inconsistent with a general trend towards the establishment of specialised independent planning courts and tribunals evident in other jurisdictions.