Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cross-regulation-free triple-output switched-capacitor DC-DC regulator for energy-harvesting applications

This paper presents a cross-regulation-free switched-capacitor (SC) DC-DC regulator that is able to simultaneously produce three different regulated output voltages for energy harvesting applications. With capacitor and power switch sharing, the proposed power stage can realize separate 2x, 3x and 4x outputs, while saving 3 flying capacitors and 9 power switches compared with using an independent single-output doubler, tripler and quadrupler. A sub-harmonic fixed on-time control scheme is developed not only to regulate all outputs, but also to improve the light-load regulator power efficiency, minimize cross-regulations between the three outputs, and provide predictable noise spectrum of all regulated outputs. Implemented in a standard 0. 35μm CMOS process, the proposed regulator can provide three regulated outputs of 2V, 3V and 4V under 1.1V input voltage, and deliver up to 15mA (2V), 12mA (3V), 2mA (4V) local currents. The proposed regulator also achieves a maximum power efficiency of 89.8%.
CSR manager competencies: a case study from Thailand

Purpose - This study aims to analyze the skills and competencies required of corporate social responsibility (CSR) managers through best case practice in Thailand. It attempts to define and identify how large companies use such attributes with regard to knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills. It also examines the organizational competency framework of strategy for integrating CSR and its associated skills into mainstream business. Design/methodology/approach - As a qualitative study, the methodology used for collecting data consisted of both open-ended and focused interviews with managers, and consultations with staff who implement CSR in these large companies. Secondary data from annual reports, sustainability reports and CSR reports were also analyzed. Findings - The interviews indicated that specific skills and competencies were needed for managing CSR, but these varied, and a competency framework for Thai corporations was developed. Research limitations/implications - The interviews were limited to only the CSR managers. Thus, the generalization of the findings to other industries should be done with caution. Practical implications - A CSR competency framework for managers is provided, which can supply CSR skills and competencies model for other managers and practitioners. Originality/value - The paper has value in that it provides an analysis of the CSR skills and competencies of the leading corporations in Thailand.
Evaluation of transmembrane helix predictions in 2014

Experimental structure determination continues to be challenging for membrane proteins. Computational prediction methods are therefore needed and widely used to supplement experimental data. Here, we re‐examined the state of the art in transmembrane helix prediction based on a nonredundant dataset with 190 high‐resolution structures. Analyzing 12 widely‐used and well‐known methods using a stringent performance measure, we largely confirmed the expected high level of performance. On the other hand, all methods performed worse for proteins that could not have been used for development. A few results stood out: First, all methods predicted proteins in eukaryotes better than those in bacteria. Second, methods worked less well for proteins with many transmembrane helices. Third, most methods correctly discriminated between soluble and transmembrane proteins. However, several older methods often mistook signal peptides for transmembrane helices. Some newer methods have overcome this shortcoming. In our hands, PolyPhobius and MEMSAT‐SVM outperformed other methods. Proteins 2015; 83:473–484. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Influenza Virus M2 Protein Cytoplasmic Tail Interacts with the M1 Protein and Influences Virus Assembly at the Site of Virus Budding

ABSTRACT The cytoplasmic tail of the influenza A virus M2 proton-selective ion channel has been shown to be important for virus replication. Previous analysis of M2 cytoplasmic tail truncation mutants demonstrated a defect in incorporation of viral RNA (vRNA) into virions, suggesting a role for M2 in the recruitment of M1-vRNA complexes. To further characterize the effect of the M2 cytoplasmic tail mutations on virus assembly and budding, we constructed a series of alanine substitution mutants of M2 with mutations in the cytoplasmic tail, from residues 71 to 97. Mutant proteins M2-Mut1 and M2-Mut2, with mutations of residues 71 to 73 and 74 to 76, respectively, appeared to have the greatest effect on virus-like particle and virus budding, showing a defect in M1 incorporation. Mutant viruses containing M2-Mut1 and M2-Mut2 failed to replicate in multistep growth analyses on wild-type (wt) MDCK cells and were able to form plaques only on MDCK cells stably expressing wt M2 protein. Compared to wt M2 protein, M2-Mut1 and M2-Mut2 were unable to efficiently coimmunoprecipitate with M1. Furthermore, statistical analysis of planar sheets of membrane from cells infected by virus containing M2-Mut1 revealed a reduction in M1-hemagglutinin (HA) and M2-HA clustering as well as a severe loss of clustering between M1 and M2. These results suggest an essential, direct interaction between the cytoplasmic tail of M2 and M1 that promotes the recruitment of the internal viral proteins and vRNA to the plasma membrane for efficient virus assembly to occur.
Purification and catalytic properties of two manganese peroxidase isoenzymes from Pleurotus eryngii.

The ligninolytic basidiomycetes Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus pulmonarius and Pleurotus sajor-caju did not exhibit detectable levels of manganese peroxidase (MP) when grown in liquid media with ammonium tartrate as N source. However, after examination of cells grown on different organic N-based media, high MP activity was obtained in peptone medium, up to nearly 3 U/ml in cultures of P. eryngii. Moreover, Mn2+ supplementation was not used to produce MP, since all Mn2+ concentrations assayed (1-4000 microM) inhibited production of this enzyme in liquid medium. Two MP isoenzymes were purified to homogeneity from shaken or stationary cultures of P. eryngii grown in peptone medium. The purification process (which included chromatography on Biorad Q-cartridge, Sephacryl S-200 and Mono-Q) attained 56% activity yield with a purification factor of 25. The isoenzymes differed in pI (3.75 and 3.65), N-terminal sequence and some catalytic properties. They were in some aspects (e.g, molecular mass of 43 kDa) similar to Phanerochaete chrysosporium MP but exhibited some distinct characteristics, including Mn(2+)-independent peroxidase activities against 2,6-dimethoxyphenol and veratryl alcohol, and higher resistance to H2O2. Recent studies have shown that MP are ubiquitous enzymes in ligninolytic fungi, but the results obtained suggest that differences in catalytic properties probably exist between different Mn(2+)-oxidizing peroxidases produced by these fungi.
Evaluating the scope of IC in firms' value

Purpose – The paper seeks to discuss empirically and contrast the hypothesis of the Theory of Intellectual Capital, which maintains that the difference between the market value of a firm and its book value can be explained exclusively in terms of internal, intangible assets that are peculiar to the firm.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a conceptual discussion, graphical analysis, basic descriptive statistics and basic correlational statistics.Findings – Not all overvaluation of corporate assets can be explained by intangible assets of an internal nature. A significant portion can be explained by external factors, unrelated to the management of the firm, such as the general economic cycle or the sector of economic activity in which the firm is active. Hence, any economic importance that intellectual capital might hold for business management is bounded.Research limitations/implications – The research is limited to the upper echelons of the largest US firms according to their rankin.
Influence of Concurrent Electrothermal and Avalanche Effects on the Safe Operating Area of Multifinger Bipolar Transistors

The impact of the concurrent action of electrothermal and avalanche effects on the reduction of the safe operating area is experimentally investigated for a wide number of single-, two-, and three-finger bipolar transistors fabricated in SiGe, GaAs, and silicon-on-glass technologies. The results of the analysis are substantiated by a SPICE-like simulation tool that allows the monitoring of the temperatures of the individual fingers and provides an in-depth understanding of the individual influence of the positive feedback mechanisms. Design strategies for minimizing the effects on device operation, like the implementation of ballasting resistors and emitter segmentation, are also analyzed.
Satisfaction with Social Contacts and Daily Activities of Older Europeans

This paper analyses the determinants of two important components of well-being among individuals aged 65 years or older in eleven European countries: satisfaction with daily activities and satisfaction with social contacts. For this purpose we use data from the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe and anchoring vignettes to correct for potential differences in responses scales across countries and socio-demographic groups. On average, older Europeans report being satisfied with their daily activities and with their social contacts, but there exist some differences across countries: respondents from Northern countries tend to be more satisfied than individuals from Central or Mediterranean countries. Our analysis shows that correcting for response scale differentials alters the country ranking for both domains of satisfaction while it has much less effect on the estimates of what drives within country differences between socio-demographic groups.
Financial Consequences of Ill Health and Informal Coping Mechanisms in Indonesia

We assess the financial risk of ill health for households in Indonesia, the role of informal coping strategies, and the effectiveness of these strategies in smoothing consumption. Based on household panel data, we find evidence of financial risk from illness through medical expenses, while income from informal wage labour is exposed to risk for the poor and income from self-employed business activities for the non-poor. However, this lead to imperfect consumption smoothing only for the rural population and the poorest quartile; the non-poor seem to be able to maintain current spending. Borrowing and drawing on buffers, such as savings and assets, seem to be key informal coping strategies for the poor, which infers potential negative long term effects. While these results suggest scope for public intervention, the financial risk from income loss for the rural poor is beyond public health care financing reforms. Rather, formal sector employment, which reduces income risks, seems to be a key instrument for financial protection from illness.
De-industrialization and the ‘disappeared workers’

Hong Kong has undergone a remarkable process of a complete cycle of industrialization and de-industrialization within the lifetime of one generation of workers. This paper explores the impact of this swift economic progress and examines the adjustment problems and difficulties experienced by workers displaced from their jobs in a rapidly de-industrializing society. It addresses the issue of what has become of these displaced workers. It was found that, while a proportion of the displaced workers were able to find alternative employment in the expanding services industries, many became discouraged workers who joined the ranks of the hidden unemployed, partly as a result of discrimination which compounded their problem and further hindered their search for work and employment. The data show that many of these people eventually (in)voluntarily withdrew completely from the labour market. Suggestions have been made regarding the role which can be played by the government in particular to ease the transition of displaced workers into other employment positions.
Posterior lingual lidocaine: a novel method to improve tolerance in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

AIM To evaluate the effect of posterior lingual lidocaine swab on patient tolerance to esophagogastroduodenoscopy, the ease of performance of the procedure, and to determine if such use will reduce the need for intravenous sedation. METHODS Eighty patients undergoing diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy in a tertiary care medical center were randomized to either lidocaine swab or spray. Intravenous meperidine and midazolam were given as needed during the procedure. RESULTS Patients in the lidocaine swab group (SWG) tolerated the procedure better than those in the spray group (SPG) with a median tolerability score of 2 (1, 4) compared to 4 (2, 5) (P < 0.01). The endoscopists encountered less difficulty performing the procedures in the SWG with lower median difficulty scores of 1 (1, 5) compared to 4 (1, 5) in the SPG (P < 0.01). In addition, the need for intravenous sedation was also lower in the SWG compared to the SPG with fewer patients requiring intravenous sedation (13/40 patients vs 38/40 patients, respectively, P < 0.01). The patients in the SWG were more satisfied with the mode of local anesthesia they received as compared to the SPG. In addition, the endoscopists were happier with the use of lidocaine swab. CONCLUSION The use of a posterior lingual lidocaine swab in esophagogastroduodenoscopy improves patient comfort and tolerance and endoscopist satisfaction and decreases the need for intravenous sedation.
Endothelium-dependent, flow-induced dilation of isolated coronary arterioles.

Flow-mediated dilation has been documented in large conduit coronary arteries but not in coronary arterioles. The goal of this study was to determine whether this response occurs in coronary arterioles and whether it competes with myogenic constriction. Subepicardial arterioles (40-80 microns) were isolated and cannulated with two glass micropipettes connected to independent reservoir systems. During zero flow, myogenic responses were studied over the range of intraluminal pressure (IP) between 20 and 140 cmH2O. Myogenic constrictions and dilations was observed when IP was increased (greater than 60 cmH2O) and decreased (less than 60 cmH2O), respectively. Flow was initiated by simultaneously moving the reservoirs in equal and opposite directions, thus generating a pressure gradient (delta P) without changing the mean luminal pressure (range delta P = 4-60 cmH2O). Flow-induced responses were studied at low, intermediate, and high myogenic tones by setting IP at 20, 60, and 100 cmH2O, respectively. The threshold for flow-induced dilation was delta P = 4 cmH2O, and maximum dilation was observed at delta P = 20 cmH2O. Red cell velocities in isolated arterioles at delta P of 4 and 60 cmH2O were 1.2 +/- 0.2 and 15.9 +/- 1.3 mm/s, respectively, which are within the range of those reported for coronary microvessels in vivo. The magnitude of the flow-induced dilation was greatest at the intermediate tone (60 cmH2O IP) but was attenuated at lower and higher IP. After mechanical removal of the endothelium, spontaneous tone and myogenic responses were preserved, but flow-induced dilation and bradykinin-induced dilation were abolished. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Mitosis during postnatal growth in skeletal and cardiac muscle of the rat.

In two recent studies (MacConnachie, Enesco & Leblond, 1964; Overy & Priest, 1966) mitotic activity during postnatal growth of mammalian skeletal and cardiac muscle was described as seen by light microscopy. In these studies, however, the question was not resolved as to whether the mitotic figures were located, in fact, in the muscle fibres, or in the associated satellite cells (Mauro, 1961), or in other free cells; we, therefore, examined the problem by electron microscopy.
The choices justices make

"The Choices Justices Make" is a groundbreaking work that offers a strategic account of Supreme Court decision making. Justices realize that their ability to achieve their policy and other goals depends on the preferences of other actors, the choices they expect others to make, and the institutional context in which they act. All these factors hold sway over justices as they make their decisions, from which cases to accept, to how to interact with their colleagues, and what policies to adopt in their opinions. "Choices" is a thought-provoking, yet nontechnical work that is an ideal supplement for judicial process and public law courses. In addition to offering a unique and sustained theoretical account, the authors tell a fascinating story of how the Court works. Data culled from the Court's public records and from the private papers of Justices Brennan, Douglas, Marshall, and Powell provide empirical evidence to support the central argument, while numerous examples from the justices' papers animate the work.
Requirements for Sustainable Nature-based Tourism in Transfrontier Conservation Areas: a Southern African Delphi Consultation

Abstract Over the years a plethora of factors have been associated with sustainable tourism in the literature, but little has been done to prioritize those that are most important to stakeholders in destinations. In particular, this research aimed to identify factors perceived as essential for sustainable nature-based tourism operating in transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) in southern Africa. A Delphi consultation was conducted in which 518 southern African experts from government, academia, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and consultancies were invited to contribute. Participants rated the relative importance of 502 policy, planning, economic, environmental and social factors drawn from the literature, and additional factors suggested by regional consultees. A statistically significant level of consensus was achieved on 159 multidisciplinary factors considered to be ‘essential’ or ‘incompatible’ with sustainable nature-based tourism in TFCAs. The implications for the assessment of sustainable nature-based tourism in southern African TFCAs are discussed, with a review of how they relate to tourism in the Great Limpopo TFCA: a transboundary protected area that incorporates protected areas in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The Great Trade Collapse

We survey recent literature on the causes of the collapse in international trade during the 2008–2009 global recession. We argue that the evidence points to the collapse in aggregate expenditure, concentrated on trade-intensive durable goods, as the main driver of the trade collapse. Inventory adjustment likely amplified the impact of these expenditure changes on trade. In addition, shocks to credit supply constrained export supply, further exacerbating the decline in trade. Most evidence suggests that changes in trade policy did not play a large role. We conclude that one benefit of the trade collapse is that it has stimulated research in neglected areas at the intersection of trade and macroeconomics.
Cortical control of the autonomic nervous system

What is the topic of this review? The pathways in the brain by which visceral information, in particular cardiopulmonary afferents, ascend to the cerebral cortex have been delineated in animal models. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging in humans have confirmed what was known from the animal studies and established the critical sites in the cerebral cortex of humans for autonomic control and the significance of these sites for cognitive emotional function. What advances does it highlight? Stimulation of cardiopulmonary afferents in humans has consistently resulted in activation in the insular cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex. It has been shown that individuals who are characterized as cardiovascular responders to mental stress have a different pattern of activity in the cortex related to the cardiac changes.
Productivity Coalitions and the Future of European Corporatism

This paper argues that new technology, the recession, and changing condition in the world market have transformed the ogranization of work and the system of industrial relations in many European countries. Many show a tendency toward decentralized collective bargaining at he firm level. the growing strength of workers' representative at the firm level has weakend the highly centralized bargaining systems (corporatism) which have contributed much to the stability of industrial relations. Case studies, one of west German works councils and one of Italian labormanagement committees, support the argument.
Carbon Nanotube Transistor Circuits: Circuit-Level Performance Benchmarking and Design Options for Living with Imperfections

1D carbon nanotube FET (CNFET)-based circuits offer 4.6times faster FO4 speed and 12times energy-delay product improvement over 32nm node Si CMOS (including diameter and doping variations), provided circuits can be built that are immune to misaligned and metallic nanotubes. A design technique that guarantees correct logic operation in the presence of misaligned nanotubes is also presented.
Template-based stabilization of relative equilibria

We present an approach to the design of feedback control laws that stabilize the relative equilibria of general nonlinear systems with continuous symmetry. Using a template-based method, we factor out the dynamics associated with the symmetry variables and obtain evolution equations in a reduced frame that evolves in the symmetry direction. The relative equilibria of the original system are fixed points of these reduced equations. Our controller design methodology is based on the linearization of the reduced equations about such fixed points. Assuming equivariant actuation, we derive feedback laws for the reduced system that are optimal in the sense that they minimize a quadratic cost function. We illustrate the method by stabilizing unstable traveling waves of a dissipative PDE possessing translational invariance
Advertising, Learning, and Consumer Choice in Experience Good Markets: An Empirical Examination

This article empirically analyzes different effects of advertising in a nondurable, experience good market. A dynamic learning model of consumer behavior is presented in which I allow both "informative" effects of advertising and "prestige" or "image" effects of advertising. This learning model is estimated using consumer level panel data tracking grocery purchases and advertising exposures over time. Empirical results suggest that in this market, advertising's primary effect was that of informing consumers. The estimates are used to quantify the value of this information to consumers and evaluate the welfare implications of an alternative advertising regulatory regime. Copyright 2003 By The Economics Department Of The University Of Pennsylvania And Osaka University Institute Of Social And Economic Research Association.