Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene-silencing reveals the functional significance of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor (PBAN-R) in a male moth

The role of pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) in the regulation of pheromone biosynthesis of several female moth species is well elucidated, but its role in the males has been a mystery for over two decades since its discovery from both male and female central nervous systems. In previous studies we have identified the presence of the gene transcript for the PBAN-G-protein coupled receptor (PBAN-R) in Helicoverpa armigera male hair-pencil-aedaegus complexes (male complexes), a tissue structurally homologous to the female pheromone gland. Moreover, we showed that this transcript is up-regulated during pupal-adult development, analogous to its regulation in the female pheromone-glands, thereby indicating a likely functional gene. Here we argue in favor of PBAN’s role in regulating the free fatty-acid components (myristic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids) and alcohol components (hexadecanol, cis-11 hexadecanol, and octadecanol) in male complexes. We demonstrate the diel periodicity in levels of male components, with peak titers occurring during the 7th–9th h in the scotophase, coincident with female pheromone production. In addition, we show significant stimulation of component levels by synthetic HezPBAN. Furthermore, we confirm PBAN’s function in this tissue through knockdown of the PBAN-R gene using RNAi-mediated gene-silencing. Injections of PBAN-R dsRNA into the male hemocoel significantly inhibited levels of the various male components by 58%–74%. In conclusion, through gain and loss of function we revealed the functionality of the PBAN-R and the key components that are up-regulated by PBAN.
Coping With a Chronic Disease

Interviews were conducted with 55 experienced patients with insulin-dependent diabetes with the aim of identifying strategies for coping with diabetes. This study was based on a health-oriented approach known as Antonovsky's salutogenic model, which conceptualizes the person as being actively involved in maintaining biological, psychological, and social homeostasis. All patients had developed some strategy for maintaining biological balance. Twenty-two also had strategies for coping both psychologically and socially with the disease. The remaining 33 patients had developed either a psychological or a social strategy in addition to their biological strategies. The results indicate that it is important for the patient's well-being and self-esteem to establish all three coping strategies-biological, psychological, and social. The diabetes care team could be a valuable resource for the patient in this respect.
How can a company achieve improved levels of quality performance: technology versus employees?

Addresses the question: how can business organizations attain new, unprecedentedly high levels of quality in their work processes? Rejects the view that quality and productivity are incompatible, arguing that efficiencies resulting from continuously improving quality lead to increased productivity. Examines the western management reliance for competitive advantage on costly technological innovations which, once installed, are subject to steady deterioration and erosion of their initial advantage. Warns that technology cannot substitute for people. Contrasts western results‐based short‐termism with the strongly process‐oriented Japanese approach. Shows how the Japanese have also practised large‐scale absorption of new technology but have invested heavily in their people at the same time, because they recognize that technological innovations need committed, well‐trained people, not only to make the technology work but also to maintain its advantage through kaizen ‐ a process of continuous, smaller‐scale, people‐based improvements.
Pricing and Time on the Market for Residential Properties in a Major U.K. City

The pricing and length of time to sell single-family residential properties is a function of the interaction between buyer and seller behavior. This study estimates value effects in relation to the time on the market for residential properties within the Belfast (U.K.) metropolitan area. Three distinctive characteristics of the market are highlighted. First, the majority of sales are at a premium to the list price. Second, different factors influence time-on-the-market for premium and discount sales. Third, the marketing period is examined for three events: listing to sales agreement, sales agreement to completion, and listing to completion.
A BEHAVIORAL MODEL OF MODAL SELECTION

THIS MODEL PRESENTS MODAL SELECTION IN A DIFFERENT, NOT-GENERALLY-LOOKED-AT MANNER. THE DECISION PROCESS IS NOT AS EASY, NOR AS COLDLY OBJECTIVE AN ONE MAY BE LED TO BELIEVE. TRANSPORT MEDIA ARE CHOSEN ON THE BASIS OF MORE THAN RATE OR SERVICE DIFFERENCES. IN FACT, THE LEAST TOTAL COST SOLUTION MAY NOT BE USED. IT IS HOPED THAT, THROUGH THIS MODEL TRAFFIC MANAGERS WILL GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DECISION PROCESS. BY RECOGNIZING THIS, OBJECTIVE DATA MAY NOT BE OVERSHADOWED BY PERSONAL BIAS OR VAGARY. THUS DILIGENT RATE ANALYSES OR SOPHISTICATED SIMULATIONS WILL MAKE A STRONGER CONTRIBUTION TO THE SELECTION PROCEDURE. THIS IS NOT TO SAY THAT SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENTS WILL OR SHOULD BE ELIMINATED. BUT THESE JUDGMENTS SHOULD BE BASED UPON THE RESULTS OF AN INFORMATION SEARCH OF ALL POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES, NOT UPON A LIMITED SET OF ALTERNATIVES, NOR UPON PERSONAL BIAS. FOR THE MODEL ITSELF, ADDITIONAL EMPIRICAL STUDIES SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT. WITH FURTHER STUDY, THE CONTENT AND STRUCTURE OF THE MODEL CAN BE DEFINED. THEN TESTING OF VARIOUS HYPOTHESES CAN BEGIN. HOPEFULLY THE END RESULT WILL BE A VIABLE AID TO THE DECISION PROCESS OF TRAFFIC MANAGERS.
Does the Form of Management's Earnings Guidance Affect Analysts' Earnings Forecasts? (Retracted)

This study examines how the form of management's earnings guidance (point, narrow range, wide range) affects analysts' earnings forecasts. Results from two experiments demonstrate that: (1) guidance form has no effect on analysts' forecasts made immediately after the guidance; and (2) after the actual earnings announcement, guidance form and the relationship of the earnings guidance to actual earnings (guidance error) interact in their effect on analysts' forecasts. After the actual earnings announcement, guidance error leads to higher (lower) analysts' forecasts for firms with downwardly (upwardly) biased guidance; this effect of guidance error is magnified by a narrow range and reduced by a wide range, compared to a point estimate. These results suggest that treating the mean of the range endpoints as equivalent to a point estimate and failing to consider effects after the release of actual earnings may paint an incomplete picture of how management guidance affects analysts and investors. It also offers.
Markets for Energy Efficiency - Exploring the new horizons of tradable certificate schemes

This doctoral thesis explores the implications of establishing tradable certificate schemes for improving energy efficiency (so-called ‘Tradable White Certificate’ [TWC] schemes). Carrying out different case studies, a set of complementary evaluation methods is applied in conducting ex-ante and ex-post evaluation studies. To analyse the attributes and complexities of TWC schemes, the thesis focuses on several aspects, including (i) the modelling of potential impacts, (ii) the identification and analysis of transaction costs, (iii) the investigation of trading patterns and other flexibilities used to achieve cost-effective compliance, (iv) the level of energy-saving effectiveness under TWC schemes, (v) the use of cost-benefit analysis, and (vi) the application of multi-criteria evaluation. The findings help answer questions concerning the impacts and outcomes of TWC schemes and identify critical endogenous and exogenous conditions that affect their performance. Furthermore, the research assists in developing an understanding of what aspects of TWC schemes need to be evaluated and how. (Less)
Asymmetric Information, Bank Lending, and Implicit Contracts: A Stylized Model of Customer Relationships

Customer relationships arise between banks and firms because, in the process of lending, a bank learns more than others about its own customers. This information asymmetry allows lenders to capture some of the rents generated by their older customers; competition, thus, drives banks to lend to new firms at interest rates that initially generate expected losses. As a result, the allocation of capital is shifted toward lower quality and inexperienced firms. This inefficiency is eliminated if complete contingent contracts are written or, when this is costly, if banks can make nonbinding commitments that, in equilibrium, are backed by reputation. Copyright 1990 by American Finance Association.
Conflict in International Channels of Distribution

Abstract Channel conflict-the degree to which manufacturers and their channels of distribution experience conflict and difficulties in the conduct of business-has been a popular research topic. However, studies have generally focused on the domestic market, largely ignoring or treating international marketing as an afterthought. This paper examines international channel conflict. Specifically, it has two major purposes. The first is methodological. A measurement scale that was developed to measure channel conflict in domestic marketing (Gaski and Nevin 1985) is applied to an international context and its psychometric properties are assessed. The second is substantive. Two determinants of international channel conflict: (1) distribution system quality; and (2) cultural distance between exporters' home and international target countries are examined. Methodologically, Gaski and Nevin's scale (1985) requires modification for use in international marketing research. Substantively, the more culturally distant .
The Effect of Wildlife Recreational Activity on Florida's Economy

This paper describes a dynamic computable general equilibrium model developed to examine the value of wildlife recreation in the state of Florida. Growth and volatility in wildlife watching, fishing and hunting are simulated and used to determine the impact on gross state product. A scenario replicating the impact of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 is examined. Results estimate the present value of losses from 2001 to 2010 could be between US$10 and US$80 billion.
Challenges with QuantiFERON-TB Gold assay for large-scale, routine screening of U.S. healthcare workers.

RATIONALE North American occupational health programs that switched from the tuberculin skin test (TST) to IFN-γ release assays for latent tuberculosis screening are reporting challenges with interpretation of serial testing results in healthcare workers (HCWs). However, limited data exist on the reproducibility of serial IFN-γ release assay results in low-risk HCWs. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the short-term reproducibility of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT) in a large cohort of HCWs and to define a QFT cutoff yielding a conversion rate equivalent to historical TST rates. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the QFT results from HCWs with two or more QFT tests performed between June 2008 and July 2010 at an academic institution. Outcome measures were proportions of reproducibility, quantitative results, and conversion rates with alternate QFT cutoffs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 9,153 HCWs with two or more QFT tests were included in the analysis. Of 8,227 individuals with a negative result, 4.4% (n = 361) converted their QFT result over 2 years. A total of 261 (72.3%) of the HCWs with conversions underwent repeat short-term testing after the first positive result with 64.8% reverting (n = 169). An IFN-γ cutoff of 5.3 IU/ml or higher (manufacturer's cutoff is ≥0.35 IU/ml) yielded a conversion rate of 0.4%, equal to our institution's historical TST conversion rate. CONCLUSIONS The manufacturer's definition of QFT conversion results in an inflated conversion rate that is incompatible with our low-risk setting. A significantly higher QFT cutoff value is needed to match the historical TST conversion rate. Nonreproducible conversions in most converters suggested false-positive results.
Missense mutations in IHH impair Indian Hedgehog signaling in C3H10T1/2 cells: Implications for brachydactyly type A1, and new targets for Hedgehog signaling

Heterozygous missense mutations in IHH result in Brachydactyly type A1 (BDA1; OMIM 112500), a condition characterized by the shortening of digits due to hypoplasia/aplasia of the middle phalanx. Indian Hedgehog signaling regulates the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes and is essential for endochondral bone formation. Analyses of activated IHH signaling in C3H10T1/2 cells showed that three BDA1-associated mutations (p.E95K, p.D100E and p.E131K) severely impaired the induction of targets such as Ptch1 and Gli1. However, this was not a complete loss of function, suggesting that these mutations may affect the interaction with the receptor PTCH1 or its partners, with an impact on the induction potency. From comparative microarray expression analyses and quantitative real-time PCR, we identified three additional targets, Sostdc1, Penk1 and Igfbp5, which were also severely affected. Penk1 and Igfbp5 were confirmed to be regulated by GLI1, while the induction of Sostdc1 by IHH is independent of GLI1. SOSTDC1 is a BMP antagonist, and altered BMP signaling is known to affect digit formation. The role of Penk1 and Igfbp5 in skeletogenesis is not known. However, we have shown that both Penk1 and Igfbp5 are expressed in the interzone region of the developing joint of mouse digits, providing another link for a role for IHH signaling in the formation of the distal digits.
Refinancing Trends Among Lower Income and Minority Homeowners During the Housing Boom and Bust

type="main"> This article examines trends in mortgage refinancing activity during the housing boom and bust, with a focus on homeowners in lower income and minority market (LIMM) areas. Unlike any other period in recent history, during the boom LIMM homeowners refinanced their mortgages more frequently than non-LIMM homeowners. This occurred primarily among borrowers for whom the refinance option was not in-the-money, and it is likely attributable to the concurrent growth of subprime, cash-out refinancing. Following the 2007 mortgage market collapse, however, LIMM homeowners were less likely to refinance. This can be explained in part by systematic differences in home equity levels across borrowers.
Immigrant and Native

The Mexican American electorate includes large numbers of immigrants as well as people of later generations. In this article, we test whether cross-generational acculturation shapes the ways in which Mexican American voters selected between John Kerry and George Bush in the 2004 presidential election. Although change across immigrant generations has long been a critical question in American political behavior, it is only with the current wave of immigrants and their U.S.-born children and grandchildren that it is possible to measure the relationship between acculturation and vote choice. With generational replacement, changes in the dynamics of vote choice across immigrant generations could herald long-term changes in the mechanisms of vote choice. We find that generation does shape Mexican American vote choice, both directly—in the simple measure of the generational dummy variables—and in the interaction between generation and partisanship, issue evaluation, religion, and state of residence.
Age discrimination, the default retirement age and occupational pensions: experiences from Canada and predictions for Britain

The WestminsterResearch online digital archive at the University of Westminster aims to make the research output of the University available to a wider audience. Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the authors and/or copyright owners. Users are permitted to download and/or print one copy for non-commercial private study or research. Further distribution and any use of material from within this archive for profit-making enterprises or for commercial gain is strictly forbidden.
Disability Cash Transfers in the Context of Poverty and Unemployment: The Case of South Africa

Summary South Africa's Disability Grant (DG) program has been criticized for its poor administration and the dependency culture it promotes. This paper assesses the program's targeting effectiveness and its effects on labor supply. Using disability self-reports and standard measures of economic well being, the results suggest that DG's inclusion errors are relatively limited but exclusion errors are substantial and serious. The paper also shows that increased leniency in disability screening policy in the Gauteng province in the early 2000s does not appear to have altered labor market behaviors relative to Northern Cape, a province where there was no change in policy.
Structure of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri YaeQ reveals a new compact protein fold built around a variation of the PD‐(D/E)XK nuclease motif

The YaeQ family of proteins are found in many Gram‐negative and a few Gram‐positive bacteria. We have determined the first structure of a member of the YaeQ family by X‐ray crystallography. Comparisons with other structures indicate that YaeQ represents a new compact protein fold built around a variation of the PD‐(D/E)XK nuclease motif found in type II endonucleases and enzymes involved in DNA replication, repair, and recombination. We show that catalytically important residues in the PD‐(D/E)XK nuclease superfamily are spatially conserved in YaeQ and other highly conserved YaeQ residues may be poised to interact with nucleic acid structures. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New Cephamycin Antibiotic, CS-1170: Binding Affinity to Penicillin-Binding Proteins and Inhibition of Peptidoglycan Cross-Linking Reactions in Escherichia coli

The binding activity of CS-1170, a new cephamycin antibiotic, to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in Escherichia coli and Proteus species and the potency of this antibiotic in vitro to inhibit enzymes involved in peptidoglycan cross-linking in E. coli were tested. Similar experiments were carried out with the 7α-H analog of CS-1170, R-45656, and the results were compared with those obtained with CS-1170. CS-1170 showed high affinities (compared with that of penicillin G) for E. coli PBP-1A, -1Bs, and -3, the PBPs of higher molecular weight, but not PBP-2. It also inhibited the in vitro peptidoglycan cross linking reaction and concomitant release of d-alanine at very low concentrations (approximately its minimal inhibitory concentration). This antibiotic also showed very high affinity for PBP-4, -5, and -6, the PBPs of lower molecular weight, and at extremely low concentrations it inhibited d-alanine carboxypeptidases IA and IB, corresponding to PBP-5/6 and PBP-4, respectively. CS-1170 seemed to be resistant to the β-lactamase activity of PBP-5 and -6 in E. coli and Proteus species. R-45656 showed as high an affinity for PBP-1A, -1Bs, and -3 as CS-1170, but unlike CS-1170, it had low affinities for PBP-4, -5, and -6. The concentrations of R-45656 required for inhibition of d-alanine carboxypeptidases IA and IB were also much higher than those of CS-1170. R-45656 showed rather low activities in inhibiting the in vitro cross-linking reaction of peptidoglycan and concomitant release of d-alanine. Synergism was observed in 9 of 22 strains examined between CS-1170 and mecillinam, which bound specifically to PBP-2.
Computer-Assisted Authoring for Natural Language Story Scripts

In order to assist scriptwriters during the process of story-writing, we have developed a system that can extract information from natural language stories, and allow for story-centric as well as character-centric reasoning. These inferencing capabilities are exposed to the user through intuitive querying systems, allowing the scriptwriter to ask the system questions about story and character information. We introduce knowledge bytes as atoms of information and demonstrate that the system can parse text into a stream of knowledge bytes and use these mentioned reasoning capabilities through logical reasoning.
Franchising Effects on the Lodging Industry: Optimal Franchising Proportion in Terms of Profitability and Intangible Value

Franchising in the hospitality industry, particularly in the lodging business, has been an extensively studied topic. Yet the answers to critical questions have eluded researchers and practitioners: is franchising in the lodging industry profitable and a value-creating strategy? Moreover, what is the optimal proportion of franchising to attain certain financial outcomes? This study evaluates franchising in the lodging industry, and poses two key financial questions. Are franchised lodging firms more profitable and value-generating than non-franchised operations? And what is the optimal proportion of franchised and non-franchised units for a lodging firm to maximize its financial performance and value creation? The results of the two-way, random-effect regression model suggest that franchised lodging firms are more profitable than non-franchised firms. The study also finds that franchised firms create more intangible value than non-franchised firms. In addition, the authors identify optimal proportions of franchised and non-franchised properties that allow lodging firms to maximize profitability and intangible value. The results provide a critical perspective on the discussion of whether or not lodging firms should franchise and, if so, to what extent.
Ability of New APTIMA CT and APTIMA GC Assays To Detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Male Urine and Urethral Swabs

ABSTRACT A clinical evaluation was conducted in six North American centers to determine the ability of APTIMA CT (ACT) and APTIMA GC (AGC) nucleic acid amplification assays to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in 1,322 men by testing their urethral swabs and first-catch urine (FCU). The results obtained with ACT and AGC assays were compared to an infected patient status determined by testing the specimens with the APTIMA Combo 2 and the BD ProbeTec energy transfer multiplex assays. Symptoms did not influence the values. Positive and negative agreements of the ACT and AGC assays for individual specimens were high, with each comparator assay ranging between 94.3 and 100% for positives and 93.9 and 99.4% for negatives. The ACT and AGC assays performed on noninvasive specimens such as FCU effectively identified C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae infections in symptomatic and asymptomatic men and should be suitable for screening male populations.
Complementarity, Task Assignment, and Incentives

This paper studies the effect of complementarity on task assignment decisions and the design of optimal incentives for employees in charge of multiple tasks. A principal hires two identical agents. Each agent performs two tasks involving complementarities when the tasks vary in the informativeness of their performance measures. The principal tension governing how tasks are assigned lies between the heterogeneity loss due to aggregate performance measures under broad task assignments and the resulting positive information externalities. Although the aggregate performance measures under broad task assignments preclude tailoring the strength of incentives to the nature of the task, these measures are more informative about agent efforts when tasks are complementary. This enhanced informativeness improves contracting efficiency by mitigating the implicit costs of the heterogeneity loss. The analysis applies not only to the task assignment decisions, but also more broadly to other organizational structure deci.