Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel C1q Family Member of Amphioxus Was Revealed to Have a Partial Function of Vertebrate C1q Molecule1

C1q is the target recognition protein of the classical complement pathway and a major connecting link between innate and adaptive immunities. Its globular signature domain is also found in a variety of noncomplement protein that can be grouped together as a C1q family. In this study, we have cloned and identified a novel C1q family member in cephalochordate amphioxus and named it as AmphiC1q1. The high transcriptional levels of this gene were detected during all stages of embryonic development, and the section in situ hybridization demonstrated that AmphiC1q1 was mainly expressed in the ovary, intestine, and nerve system of mature individuals. The transcript of AmphiC1q1 was up-regulated by LPS and Gram-negative bacteria, but hardly by lipoteichoic acid and Staphylococcus aureus. The recombinant AmphiC1q1 protein could not bind with N-acetyl-glucosamine and did not possess hemagglutinating activity, indicating that AmphiC1q1 could not act as its lamprey homologue. But both the full-length protein and its truncated globular domain of C1q protein could interact with LPS. Moreover, recombinant AmphiC1q1 protein could inhibit collagen-induced platelet aggregation, but the truncated globular C1q domain protein would not, indicating that the blocking activity of AmphiC1q1 protein was via the collagen region of the protein. Our study on the primitive form of C1q family in protochordate will shed a light on understanding the gradual functional evolution of C1q family and eventual formation of mammalian homologues.
A novel miniature spiral sensor for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring

A novel microwave sensor for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring has been proposed in this paper. In order to inspect small variation in glucose density of capillary and evaluate the blood glucose level effectively for hypertension patient, the novel sensor should be sensitive with the dielectric constant of the detected medium, so one miniature monitoring antenna with a symmetrical network and electric properties may be promising choice contrast to the conventional microstrip patch, which doesn't demand for rigorous placement gesture. Referring to spiral structure and microstrip antenna, four-arm spiral microstrip antenna fed with a coaxial line is designed and simulated. It has a central frequency of 5GHz with a high quality factor and narrow bandwidth of 1.8%. To verify the supposed sensitivity and effectivity, some medium with different permittivity is attached on the surface and simulated. Small shift of the resonant frequency has been observed by virtue of the little changes of 1% in dielectric constant. The interesting phenomenon will be a good basis for further processing to extract the actual glucose level. More comparison and studies will be later investigated through fine simulations and experiments.
(−)‐Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced microglial activation and protects against inflammation‐mediated dopaminergic neuronal injury

Microglial activation is believed to play a pivotal role in the selective neuronal injury associated with several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease. We provide evidence that (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major monomer of green tea polyphenols, potently inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated microglial secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) through the down‐regulation of inducible NO synthase and TNF‐α expression. In addition, EGCG exerted significant protection against microglial activation‐induced neuronal injury both in the human dopaminergic cell line SH‐SY5Y and in primary rat mesencephalic cultures. Our study demonstrates that EGCG is a potent inhibitor of microglial activation and thus is a useful candidate for a therapeutic approach to alleviating microglia‐mediated dopaminergic neuronal injury in PD. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Internal Capital Markets and Corporate Refocusing

This paper develops a theory of organization based on the benefits and costs of internal capital markets. A central assumption is that the transaction cost of raising external funds is greater than the cost of internal funds. The benefit of internal resource allocation is that it gives the firm a real option to avoid external capital markets (and the associated deadweight transaction costs) in more states of the world than single-business firms. The cost is the internal resource flexibility exacerbates an over investment agency problem. The optimal focus is determined by trading off the benefit of the option against the cost of over investment. In this context, we show how the relative efficiency of integration and separation depends ultimately on assignment of control rights over cash flow. Testable implications are derived for the level of divisional investment, the sensitivity of divisional investment to cash flow, and the diversification discount.
Managerial levels and the effects of budgetary participation on managers

Purpose – To investigate the effects of managerial level – a manager's position in the organizational hierarchy – and budgetary participation on managerial performance and job satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – Questionnaires were administered to 184 managers that participated in an executive development program conducted at a major US university. The responses to 178 questionnaires were subjected to multiple regression analysis.Findings – The results suggest that both budgetary participation and managerial levels have a direct positive impact on self‐reported managerial performance and job satisfaction.Research limitations/implications – This study shares some inherent limitations with other survey research. All measures used are self‐reported and may be based on self‐perception. As such, they may not reflect formal participation in or influence over budget settings by the respondents. The sample was not randomly selected, and consequently the results might not be generalizable to all managers. I.
Demand for Food-away-from-Home in Malaysia: A Sample Selection Analysis by Ethnicity and Gender

A log-transformed sample selection model is used to examine household purchase decisions and expenditure patterns of food-away-from-home in Malaysia. Results of the marginal effects, segmented by ethnic and gender groups, suggest that income, urbanites, younger, and Chinese households are statistically significant determinants of the likelihood of purchasing and amount of expenditures on food-away-from-home, ceteris paribus. Furthermore, the type of occupation of the household head does not impact eating out decisions and expenditures spent in a statistically significant manner. Several observations are noted to provide policymakers and food industry analysts with a better understanding of the demand for food-away-from-home in Malaysia.
N-[(R)-(6-Bromo-2-methoxyquinolin-3-yl)(phenyl)methyl]-N-[(S)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2-(piperazin-1-yl)acetamide

In the title compound, C32H35BrN4O3, the piperazine ring exists in a chair conformation. The quinoline ring system is oriented at dihedral angles of 82.70 (17) and 19.54 (17)° to the phenyl and methoxyphenyl rings, respectively. Weak intermolecular C—H⋯π interactions are present in the crystal structure.
Reforming Europe's stability and growth pact: Lessons from the American experience in macrobudgeting

ABSTRACT Proposed and actual reforms to the European Union (EU) Stability and Growth Pact commonly retain the Pact's deficit and debt targets. The American experience with similar macrobudgetary rules suggests that deficit targets may actually act as an incentive for political leaders to engage in noncompliant behavior. If targets were revised to budgetary objectives that politicians could achieve more easily and claim credit for accomplishing, compliance with the new macrobudgetary rules might be increased.
Agricultural global value chains : the case of tobacco in Malawi

Global Value Chains (GVC) analysis, which is increasingly used in development studies to connect production in developing countries with consumption in developed countries, is used in this work to analyse the Malawi tobacco industry. This work engages with three key concepts of GVC analysis territoriality, governance, and upgrading in order to map the geography of the chain and its actors, examine power relationships in the chain, and determine which actors benefit from participation and how. In order to complement the firm focus of GVC analysis and incorporate a role for the state and producers, we draw on selected concepts from other theoretical traditions. Empirical evidence used in our analysis of the global tobacco industry was collected through a combination of a desktop-survey of the scant academic literature available, semistructured interviews with industry experts and stakeholders outside of Malawi, a synthesis of various primary sources, as well as a field visit to tobacco sites in the United States. The Malawi case study draws on evidence collected over the course of three fieldwork trips to Malawi and through observation, informal conversations, a firm-level survey, and over 50 semi-structured interviews with industry stakeholders and officials in farmer organizations and government there. We find that whilst firms have played a dominant role in transforming and determining participation in the Malawi tobacco industry, government and farmer associations have also been decisive. In particular, government policy has contributed to the territoriality of, as well as governance of and upgrading in the chain. Likewise, smallholder producers have used their associational power in order to upgrade in the chain. This work therefore contributes to the empirical literature on the global and Malawian tobacco industries, as well as to debates on the theoretical underpinnings of the GVC literature.
Eco‐Labelling: Policy Considerations

This paper argues that eco-labeling could lead to an adverse effect on the environment. In every society there are some consumers who are concerned about environmental problems and others who are not. Labeling may stimulate concern for the environment and increase the demand for environment-friendly products. However, it is precisely this consequence of labeling that can lead to perverse results. In certain plausible cases, the differentiation of products due to labeling may lead to increased sales of products made by both environment-friendly and environment-unfriendly methods. An empirical test is suggested to establish when labeling can be usefully introduced. Copyright 1994 by WWZ and Helbing & Lichtenhahn Verlag AG
The impact of performance measurement in strategic planning

Purpose – To investigate the impact of performance measurement in strategic planning process. Design/methodology/approach – A large scale survey was conducted online with Warwick Business School alumni. The questionnaire was based on the Strategic Development Process model by Dyson. The questionnaire was designed to map the current practice of strategic planning and to determine its most influential factors on the effectiveness of the process. All questions were close ended and a seven-point Likert scale used. The independent variables were grouped into four meaningful factors by factor analysis (Varimax, coefficient of rotation 0.4). The factors produced were used to build regression models (stepwise) for the five assessments of strategic planning process. Regression models were developed for the totality of the responses, comparing SMEs and large organizations and comparing organizations operating in slowly and rapidly changing environments. Findings – The results indicate that performance measurement stands as one of the four main factors characterising the current practice of strategic planning. This research has determined that complexity coming from organizational size and rate of change in the sector creates variation in the impact of performance measurement in strategic planning. Large organizations and organizations operating in rapidly changing environments make greater use of performance measurement. Research limitations/implications – This research is based on subjective data, therefore the conclusions do not concern the impact of strategic planning process' elements on the organizational performance achievements, but on the success/effectiveness of the strategic planning process itself. Practical implications – This research raises a series of questions about the use and potential impact of performance measurement, especially in the categories of organizations that are not significantly influenced by its utilisation. It contributes to the field of performance measurement impact. Originality/value – This research fills in the gap literature concerning the lack of large scale surveys on strategic development processes and performance measurement. It also contributes in the literature of this field by providing empirical evidences on the impact of performance measurement upon the strategic planning process.
An Empirical Research on Ownership Structure, Board Governance and Corporate Growth

This paper examines the relationship between board governance and three types of company's growth, by dividing small and medium-sized listed company from China into absolute control-type, relative control-type and dispersed holding-type, according to the stake of the largest shareholders and building a comprehensive growth evaluation index. The ratio of independent directors, concentration of equity and the ratio of negotiable share are significant negative to company's growth, other governance indicators have different affects to company's growth. The board governance is not absolutely effective factor to promote the growth of the small and medium-sized listed company.
Barriers to scientific and technical knowledge acquisition in industrial R&D

An understanding of how companies acquire external knowledge is important for any organisation which participates in technology transfer partnerships. The process of external knowledge acquisition within the development function of the pharmaceutical industry is described. Six pharmaceutical companies participated in this study. Group depth interviews were conducted with scientists from a wide range of disciplines and at different levels of seniority within their companies. Senior managers and information officers were interviewed individually. The findings indicated that, although this industry is a leader in formalised information services and commercial database usage, even here significant barriers to the acquisition of scientific and technological knowledge exist. In several of the companies examined the process of information acquisition is not addressed strategically and implemented at laboratory level.
A Social-Market Economy for Rapid Sustainable Development

This paper sets out the basics of the Import substitution - industrialization (ISI) model for development, the socialist variant of ISI and the neo-liberal theory of developing, critiquing each in turn. Each of these models failed, for different reasons, and in different ways, to attain sustainable solid economic growth and carries with it the seeds of war, albeit different kinds of wars. This paper proposes a social-market model (neo-corporatism) which combines the strong points of ISI, socialism, and neo-liberalism while rejecting their errors to present a dialectical synthesis of several best practices in economic development for the third world.
Tactical Use of the Union's Duty of Fair Representation: An Empirical Analysis

This paper presents the first empirical analysis to date of complainant behavior under the duty of fair representation. As a partial explanation for the growth in fair representation cases, the author hypothesizes that some workers file representation complaints for tactical purposes—that is, to acquire bargaining power in the grievance process or inflict political damage on incumbent union officers. The distribution of complaints and complaint outcomes across individuals and locals of one international union in British Columbia during 1975–83 supports the hypothesis. The author concludes that these results raise serious questions about the impact of the fair representation doctrine on the effectiveness of unions as bargaining agents and support the call of some scholars for reforms of that doctrine.
Lipoarabinomannan of Mycobacterium tuberculosisPromotes Protein Tyrosine Dephosphorylation and Inhibition of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase in Human Mononuclear Phagocytes

Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a putative virulence factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that inhibits monocyte functions, and this may involve antagonism of cell signaling pathways. The effects of LAM on protein tyrosine phosphorylation in cells of the human monocytic cell line THP-1 were examined. LAM promoted tyrosine dephosphorylation of multiple cell proteins and attenuated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. To examine whether these effects of LAM could be related to activation of a phosphatase, fractions from LAM-treated cells were analyzed for dephosphorylation of para-nitrophenol phosphate. The data show that LAM induced increased phosphatase activity associated with the membrane fraction. The Src homology 2 containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) is important for signal termination and was examined as a potential target of LAM. Exposure of cells to LAM brought about (i) an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of SHP-1, and (ii) translocation of the phosphatase to the membrane. Phosphatase assay of SHP-1 immunoprecipitated from LAM-treated cells, using phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase as substrate, indicated that LAM promoted increased activity of SHP-1 in vivo. LAM also activated SHP-1 directly in vitro. Exposure of cells to LAM also attenuated the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-12, and major histocompatibility class II molecules. These results suggest that one mechanism by which LAM deactivates monocytes involves activation of SHP-1.
A novel envelope-domain approach for in-band intermodulation distortions characterization

To characterize the in-band intermodulation (IM) distortions of the microwave amplifiers, a novel prediction method based on the dynamic X-parameters theory is proposed in this paper. The proposed method describes the relationships between the input two-tone signal and the IMs products. Compared to the traditional approaches, it can accurately predict both the amplitudes and the consistent phase information of the output signals at all desired frequencies, which is an important supplement and extension to the theory of behavioral modeling. Benefit from the wideband detection of the pulse profile measurement, the in-band IMs products are sampled and down converted with the RF signal simultaneously in the NVNA. Therefore, it provides a possibility to distinguish each of the frequency spectrum products. Finally, the output spectrums of the RF pre-amplifier ZFL_11AD have been analyzed and verified based on the theoretical and practical measurements.
A Highly Linear Wideband Up-Conversion Differential CMOS Micromixer Using IMD3 Cancellation for a Digital TV Tuner IC

In this letter, a highly linear wideband up-conversion differential CMOS micromixer with a linearized transconductor employing a third order intermodulation (IMD3) cancellation technique for a digital TV tuner IC is proposed and designed. It is fabricated in a 0.18 mum CMOS process and draws 22 mA from a 1.8 V supply voltage. It shows a voltage gain of more than 6 dB, a noise figure lower than 11.9 dB, an IIP2 of more than 57 dBm, and an IIP3 of more than 18 dBm for the entire input band from 48 to 860 MHz.
The General Equilibrium Effects of Inflation on Housing Consumption and Investment

In a mean-variance portfolio choice model, each of 3,578 households from the 1983 Survey of Consumer Finances has calculated preferences over housing, other consumption, and risk. Each household is constrained such that any owner-occupied housing in portfolio must match housing services consumed. Corporate taxes are modeled in some detail, and regression coefficients are used to estimate the adjusted gross income, itemizable deductions, and statutory marginal tax rate of each household. General equilibrium simulation results indicate that inflation does not necessarily increase total owner housing. Top-bracket households increase their owner housing, while others switch into bonds. The greater number of households in low-brackets implies that the homeownership rate can fall even if the amount of owner housing rises.
Intellectual property and environmental innovation: an explanation using the institutional and resource-based theories

Various studies have examined the relationship between intellectual property, Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) and innovation. Some of these studies have focused on identifying internal factors that provide competitive advantages to firms, which adopt EMS, while others examine external factors that promote environmental innovation to firms. This paper proposes a framework that encompasses internal and external factors to identify how EMS promotes innovation to firms, at the same time bearing the need to protect intellectual property. This framework is based on the institutional and resource-based theories and explains how firms may gain competitive advantage and enhance innovation from EMS implementation.
More Support for College Education Would Yield Large Dividends in Texas

Sofía G. Ayala Graduate Research Assistant Bureau of Business Research IC2 Institute The University of Texas at Austin More Support for College Education Would Yield Large Dividends in Texas States and regions with large numbers of educated workers enjoy many social and economic benefits, including low crime rates, high-technology-based employment, high per-capita income, and high wages. It follows that state policymakers should implement policies that increase the number of educated workers and their job opportunities. This article addresses the issue of post-secondary education and the relationship between wages and education. How does Texas measure up to other U.S. states in the number of educated workers in its workforce?
Comparison of haematopoietic stem cell engraftment through the retro-orbital venous sinus and the lateral vein: alternative routes for bone marrow transplantation in mice

Bone marrow transplantation in mice is performed by intravenous administration of haematopoietic repopulating cells, usually via the lateral tail vein. This technique can be technically challenging to carry out and may cause distress to the mice. The retro-orbital sinus is a large area where there is a confluence of several vessels that provides an alternative route for intravenous access. Retro-orbital injection, although aesthetically unpleasant, can be performed rapidly without requiring mechanical restriction or heat-induced vasodilation. In addition, this technique can be easily learned by novice manipulators. This route of administration has been reported for use in bone marrow transplantation but there is no comparison of retro-orbital and tail vein injections reported for this specific purpose, although both routes have been compared for many other applications. Here, we provide for the first time a comprehensive comparison between tail vein and retro-orbital injections for two different bone marrow transplant scenarios in P3B and B6D2F1 mice. In both cases, no significant differences regarding donor engraftment were observed between mice transplanted using each of the techniques. Haematological counts and leukocyte subpopulation distribution were practically identical between both animal groups. Moreover, donor engraftment levels were less homogenous when cells were transplanted by tail vein injection, probably due to a higher risk of failure associated with this technique. All these data suggest that retro-orbital injection is a compelling alternative to conventional tail vein injection for bone marrow transplant in mice, providing similar and more homogenous haematopoietic reconstitution.