Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cadaverine

The cadaverine (Cad) a diamine, imino compound produced as a lysine catabolite is also implicated in growth and development of plants depending on environmental condition. This lysine catabolism is catalyzed by lysine decarboxylase, which is developmentally regulated. However, the limited role of Cad in plants is reported, this review is tempted to focus the metabolism and its regulation, transport and responses, interaction and cross talks in higher plants. The Cad varied presence in plant parts/products suggests it as a potential candidate for taxonomic marker as well as for commercial exploitation along with growth and development.
A study of the growth-investment-financing nexus of the major UK construction groups

This paper compares the relationship between growth, investment and financing of the contracting operations with that of the housebuilding operations in the large, diversified UK construction groups during the 1980s. A graphical presentation of a financial analysis of the contracting and housebuilding divisions' company accounts illustrates significant changes in the levels of capital investment and the sources and uses of finance of these two activities during a period of marked growth in turnover. It is established that the major contractors not only achieved significant growth in their turnover with negligible recourse to additional capital investment but in fact generated surplus funds which could be diverted into other businesses in their respective construction group's portfolio of business activities. It is shown that their 'cash-requiring' speculative housebuilding businesses relied on such intra-group funds as a main source of finance for investment in land during the 1980s.
Increasing Societal Discomfort About a Dominant Restrictive Planning Discourse on Open Space in Flanders, Belgium

The specific spatial context in the densely urbanized northern part of Belgium, Flanders, offers a sort of laboratory conditions to study, design and plan fragments of open space in an urbanizing context. A chronological analysis of documents in three periods relevant to Flemish spatial planning policy allows us to conclude that one single planning discourse has reigned spatial planning in Flanders already since the design of the first zoning plans 45 years ago. This planning discourse considers city and countryside as two separate and separated entities. Today, however, the validity of this dominant discourse is increasingly under pressure. An obvious societal need appears to be growing to turn around the perception of a possible contradiction between city and countryside. In a densely urbanized spatial context, alternative planning discourses should be based on the idea of open spaces that offer complementary services within a partnership between city and countryside.
Involvement of functional polymorphisms in the TNFA gene in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases and production of anti‐thyrotropin receptor antibody

The severity of Hashimoto's disease (HD) and intractability of Graves' disease (GD) varies among patients. Severity of HD is associated with the functional +874A/T polymorphism for interferon‐γ, an inflammatory cytokine. To clarify the association between functional polymorphisms in two other inflammatory cytokine genes [tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐2] and the severity of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), we examined the TNF‐α−1031T/C, TNF‐α−857C/T and IL‐2 −330T/G polymorphisms in genomic DNA samples. We genotyped 41 patients with intractable GD, 34 patients with GD in remission, 41 patients with severe HD, 36 patients with mild HD and 70 healthy controls. The frequency of carriers of TNF‐α−1031C (CT + CC), which correlates with higher TNF‐α production, was significantly higher in HD and GD patients than in controls, but was not associated with the severity of HD. In GD patients, the levels of anti‐thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) at onset of the disease was higher in patients with the TNF‐α−857T (CT + TT) genotype, which correlates with higher TNF‐α production, than in those with the −857CC genotype. We found no differences in the IL‐2 −330T/G polymorphism among groups of AITD patients. In conclusion, the functional −1031T/C polymorphism of the TNFA gene is associated with the development of AITD and the functional −857C/T polymorphism is associated with the levels of TRAb in active GD patients.
Bleak Weather for Sun-Shine AG: A Case Study of Impairment of Assets

ABSTRACT: This case originates from a real-life business situation and illustrates the application of impairment tests in accordance with IFRS and U.S. GAAP. In the first part of the case study, students examine conceptual questions of impairment tests under IFRS and U.S. GAAP with respect to applicable accounting standards, definitions, value concepts, and frequency of application. In addition, the case encourages students to discuss the impairment regime from an economic point of view. The second part of the instructional resource continues to provide instructors with the flexibility of applying U.S. GAAP and/or IFRS when students are asked to test a long-lived asset for impairment and, if necessary, allocate any potential impairment. This latter part demonstrates that impairment tests require professional judgment that students are to exercise in the case.
Antenna De-Embedding of Radio Propagation Channel With Truncated Modes in the Spherical Vector Wave Domain

This paper proposes a novel approach to extracting the narrowband propagation channel from the communication link by de-embedding the impact of the antennas. In the proposed approach, the mode-to-mode mapping matrix M, which is the expression of the propagation channel in the spherical vector wave domain, is estimated by applying pseudo-inverse computation to the channel transfer functions with dedicated spherical arrays. The estimated M is truncated and only the dominant modes within the spatial bandwidth of the fields radiated from the finite volume of the spherical array are considered. Two types of spherical array are investigated: 1) an ideal array using tangential dipoles; and 2) a virtual array using dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). The ideal array is used for parameter investigation including the array radius and the spacing with regard to the size of M and the condition number of the excitation coefficient matrix, while the virtual DRA array is proposed as a practical implementation of the ideal array. The accuracy of the proposed approach has been validated numerically. The uncertainties of spherical array in practice, such as the influence of nonideally embedded array elements, cables, and fixtures, are considered in the validation. Moreover, the channel transfer functions reproduced by the de-embedded M are analyzed, given different target antennas at link ends. The gain and phase discrepancies as well as the antenna correlations of the reproduced channel transfer function are compared with the generated reference.
Toward Morphological Stabilization in Polymer Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells by Crosslinking Using an Additive

A new approach to enhance performance and to stabilize active layer morphology by introducing a reacting processing additive, i.e., ditert butyl peroxide (DTBP), to the donor (P3HT) and acceptor (PCBM) solution with minimal disturbance in the packing of conjugated polymer is presented. Effects of DTBP contents and thermal annealing time on the performance of photovoltaic cells are investigated. Compared with the control device, the optimized device with 0.5 wt% DTBP exhibits enhanced performance with a Jsc of (10.44 ± 0.13) mA/cm2, a fill factor of (57.61 ± 1.56)%, and a power conversion efficiency of (3.82 ± 0.11)%, which increases by 10%, 26%, and 33%, respectively. The enhanced mobility of carriers is attributed to the DTBP additive-induced decomposition, which leads to the rough morphology of the active layer, and to the more effective interfacial area formed between the P3HT and PCBM regions. We envisage the direct crosslinking of the alkyl chain of P3HT results in the formation of 3-D polymeric networks, which limits the conformational dynamics of P3HT and indirectly hinders the diffusion of PCBM, thus enabling efficient and more stable photovoltaic devices. Therefore, the large-scale phase separation between P3HT and PCBM in the active layer can be effectively suppressed.
A secure protocol for session keys establishment between ECUs in the CAN bus

This paper presents a secure protocol for authenticating Electronic Control Units (ECUs) in the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus and establishing session keys between them. These keys are used to introduce message source authentication for the CAN network. Our method is based on the elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) which is more suitable for embedded systems where computational power and memory are very reduced. The performance evaluation of the proposed authentication method shows better results in comparison to the existing methods in term of bus load. The security of the proposed mechanism is validated using AVISPA tool which is very efficient for finding potential attacks automatically in cryptographic protocols.
A Case Study of Shuanghui International's Strategic Acquisition of Smithfield Foods

Pork consumption accounts for more than 60% of total meat consumption in China. China’s rapid economic growth, expanding middle class and continuous urbanization is increasing the demand for pork and importance in stabilizing China's pork market. This also creates an opportunity for foreign pork producers to export more pork to China. How can this be done? Foreign direct investment is one solution when trade barriers exist. This case study explores the reasons why China's Shuanghui International acquired the U.S. based, Smithfield Foods. Analysis shows that the success of the two companies’ merger depends upon the establishment of an efficient transnational pork supply chain. This case study can be used for Bachelor of Science and Master of Science students in international economics, agribusiness and agricultural marketing courses. It will also be helpful to business managers who want to export more agricultural goods to China.
The Corporate Governance of Professional Football Clubs in England

We analyse the corporate governance of professional football clubs operating in England's Premier and Football Leagues. Good corporate governance is essential if clubs are to be managed effectively and to survive in the difficult economic circumstances surrounding the football industry. The past couple of years have been especially testing, as Football League clubs have had to deal with the aftermath of the collapse of the ITV digital contract. Our analysis reveals that while there are some noticeable improvements in governance standards, many clubs would benefit from following best practice guidelines on information disclosure, the appointment of directors, board composition, induction and training of directors, risk management and consultation with stakeholders. Despite improvement in some areas over the past three years, standards of corporate governance in football clubs are significantly below those of listed companies as a whole and there is thus considerable need for improvement. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2005.
Cytogenetics of Hordeum chilense: current status and considerations with reference to breeding

Hordeum chilense Roem. et Schult. has a number of characteristics interesting for breeding: high crossability with other Triticeae, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and high variability for quality traits such as endosperm storage proteins or carotenoid content. ×Tritordeum, the amphiploids between H. chilense and different Triticum spp, are bridge species which facilitate the transfer of traits from H. chilense to wheat or triticale. The chromosome pairing between H. chilense and wheat chromosomes is very low (if existing) even in the absence of the action of the Ph1 gene. Nevertheless, translocation between H. chilense and wheat chromosomes has been observed frequently in genomic combinations where univalents of both species are present and therefore a method is available for using H. chilense in wheat or triticale breeding. Hybrids and amphiploids with other crop species of the Triticeae, such as rye or barley, have also been obtained, although to date the production of stable introgression stocks has not been completed. The technique of chromosome painting, using both high- and low-repeated DNA sequences in combination with genomic in situ hybridization have been used as effective methods for basic cytogenetic research in H. chilense, allowing analysis of genome evolution, and monitoring H. chilense chromosomes in interspecific hybridization breeding programs.
Determinants of Managerial Earnings Guidance Prior to Regulation Fair Disclosure and Bias in Analysts' Earnings Forecasts

Prior to Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD) some management spent considerable time and effort guiding analyst earnings estimates, often through detailed reviews of analysts' earnings models. In this paper I use proprietary survey data from the National Investor Relations Institute to identify firms that reviewed analysts' earnings models prior to Reg FD and those that did not. Under the maintained assumption that firms conducting reviews implicitly or explicitly guided analysts' earnings forecasts, I document firm characteristics associated with the decision to provide private managerial earnings guidance. Then, I document the characteristics of 'guided' versus 'unguided' analyst earnings forecasts. Findings demonstrate an association between several firm characteristics and guidance practices: managers are more likely to review analyst earnings models when the firm's stock is highly followed by analysts and largely held by institutions, when the firm's market-to-book ratio is high, and its earnings are important to valuation (high Industry-ERC R2), but hard to predict because its business is complex (high # of Segments). A comparison of guided and unguided quarterly forecasts indicates that guided analyst estimates are more accurate, but also more frequently pessimistic. An examination of analysts' annual earnings forecasts over the fiscal year does not distinguish between guidance and no guidance firms; both experience a "walk down" in annual estimates. To distinguishing between guidance and no guidance firms, one must examine quarterly earnings news: unguided analysts walk down their annual estimates when the majority of the quarterly earnings news is negative, guided analysts walk down their annual estimates even though the majority of the quarterly earnings news is positive.
A Review of Market Segmentation and Inefficiencies of the Chinese Stock Market

The Chinese stock market is an emerging market that has gained much importance over the past few decades. Because of this, it also serves as a great subject for studying market inefficiencies and anomalies. In this paper we provide a review of evidence regarding the development, efficiency and integration of the Chinese stock market. In particular, we review recent literature in the areas of market segmentation, cross-listings and calendar effects. This provides evidence of market inefficiency in China. We also pose questions that can be answered in future studies.
VCUHK: Integrating the Real into a 3D Campus in Networked Virtual Worlds

The rapid development of World Wide Web and the dominance of networked computers for information transfer and communication have enabled the rise of virtual worlds (e.g. Second Life™). This paper introduces our virtual campus-Virtual CUHK (VCUHK) project which builds a 3D virtual campus of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in networked virtual worlds. VCUHK is a 3D shared networked virtual world of the real campus of CUHK built with Open Simulator platform, an open source virtual world server project that has an adaptation of the basic server functionality of the Second Life™ servers. The real CUHK campus occupies approximately the area of 2 square km with hilly terrain and diverse and unique landscape, and has a great number of buildings with very sophisticated architecture. By using Second Life™ viewer (an open source 3D virtual world viewer) or other compatible viewers, users can access VCUHK from any Internet-connected personal computer running MS windows or Linux. Users can immerse in VCUHK being anything with the form of 3D modeling avatar and experience virtual education and other diverse campus activities.
Parties, Politics, and Regulation: Evidence from Clean Air Act Enforcement

Does local Federal regulation respond to the preferences of local Congressional representatives? For example, do Republican Congressmen reduce local enforcement of Clean Air laws in their districts? We use facility-level panel data on Clean Air Act inspections over 1989–2005 to study the causal effect of a Congressman’s party affiliation on local enforcement. Random assignment of electoral outcomes is obtained with a Regression Discontinuity design. We find that new Republican (vs. Democratic) Representatives significantly depress inspection rates for local polluting facilities in the first year after their election.
Immunohematological Aspects of Bone Marrow Transplantation

Abstract Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is an effective treatment for some severe hematologic or nonhematologic diseases. The blood group antigen mismatch between donor and recipient may cause immunohematological complications during or after BMT. In this review, we analyze the ABO, Rh and other red cell antigen mismatches between donor and recipient, the main immunohematological complications and the techniques to prevent them. The data reported are derived from the experience of the authors and from the medical literature. The clinical implications of the immunohematological aspects of BMT emphasize the importance of close immunohematological monitoring in patients undergoing allogeneic BMT with ABO, Rh or other red cell antigen mismatches between donor and recipient.
Transcription Factor NF-κB Regulates Inducible Oct-2 Gene Expression in Precursor B Lymphocytes*

The POU transcription factors Oct-1 and Oct-2 regulate the activity of octamer-dependent promoters, including those that direct transcription from rearranged immunoglobulin genes. Unlike Oct-1, which is constitutively expressed in many cell types, Oct-2 expression is restricted primarily to B lymphocytes and can be induced in precursor B cells by stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, the precise factors that mediate this induction mechanism remain unknown. In the present study, we monitored Oct-2 expression in cells arrested for the activation of NF-κB, an LPS-responsive member of the Rel transcription factor family. Despite stimulation with LPS, disruption of the NF-κB signaling pathway in precursor B cells led to the loss of inducible Oct-2 DNA binding activity in vitro and the suppression of Oct-2-directed transcription in vivo. This biochemical defect correlated with a specific block to Oct-2 gene expression at the level of transcription, whereas the expression of Oct-1 was unaffected. The finding that Oct-2 is under NF-κB control highlights an important cross-talk mechanism involving two distinct transcription factor families that regulate B lymphocyte function.
Expression profiling of microRNAs in RAW264.7 cells treated with a combination of tumor necrosis factor alpha and RANKL during osteoclast differentiation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, induces osteoclast differentiation and indirectly promotes alveolar bone resorption. We investigated TNF-α-regulated osteoclast differentiation, focusing on microRNAs. MicroRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs that are involved in various biological processes, including cellular differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Aside from miR-21, miR-155 and miR-223, the identities of the microRNAs that play roles in osteoclast differentiation are unknown. Notably, no previous studies have reported the expression profiling of microRNAs during TNF-α-regulated osteoclast differentiation. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used microarrays to screen the levels of expression of mature microRNAs in RAW264.7 cells treated with a combination of TNF-α and RANKL, or RANKL alone for 0, 24 or 82 h during osteoclast formation. We validated the results of the microarray analyses through quantitative RT-PCR analyses of representative microRNAs in RAW264.7 cells and murine bone marrow macrophages. RESULTS During osteoclast formation, the expression of 44 mature microRNAs differed by more than twofold between untreated cells and cells treated with a combination of TNF-α and RANKL, and the expression of 52 mature microRNAs differed upon RANKL treatment. According to quantitative RT-PCR analyses, miR-378 was upregulated and miR-223 was downregulated during osteoclast formation. Furthermore, miR-21, miR-29b, miR-146a, miR-155 and miR-210 were highly expressed during osteoclast differentiation in TNF-α/RANKL-treated cells compared with RANKL-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that miR-223 and miR-378 may play important roles in osteoclastogenesis, and that miR-21, miR-29b, miR-146a, miR-155 and miR-210 are involved in TNF-α-regulated osteoclast differentiation.
[Clinical efficacy of porcine pulmonary surfactant combined with budesonide suspension intratracheal instillation in the treatment of neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome].

OBJECTIVE To study the clinical efficacy of porcine pulmonary surfactant (PS) combined with budesonide suspension intratracheal instillation in the treatment of neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). METHODS Seventy neonates with MAS were enrolled for a prospective study. The neonates were randomly assigned to PS alone treatment group and PS+budesonide treatment group (n=35 each). The PS alone treatment group was given PS (100 mg/kg) by intratracheal instillation. The treatment group was given budesonide suspension (0.25 mg/kg) combined with PS (100 mg/kg). RESULTS The rate of repeated use of PS in the PS+ budesonide group was significantly lower than that in the PS alone group 12 hours after treatment (p<0.05). The improvement of PaO2/FiO2, TcSaO2, PaO2, and PaCO2 in the PS+ budesonide group was significantly greater than that in the PS alone group 6, 12, and 24 hours after treatment (p<0.05). The chest X-ray examination showed that the pulmonary inflammation absorption in the PS+ budesonide group was significantly better than that in the PS alone group 48 hours after treatment (p<0.05). The incidence of complications in the PS+budesonide group was significantly lower than that in the PS alone group (p<0.05), and the average hospitalization duration was significantly shorter than that in the PS alone group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS PS combined with budesonide suspension intratracheal instillation for the treatment of neonatal MAS is effective and superior to PS alone treatment.
Do High Performance Work Practices Work in South Korea?

The distribution of so-called high performance work practices (HPWPs) in South Korean manufacturing is mapped showing their relative scarcity. Contextual and institutional factors associated with the 1997–98 financial crisis are advanced to explain these findings. Nevertheless, anticipating that HPWPs are likely to improve performance, we tested several hypotheses. Employment security, teams, training, job enrichment and information sharing have a positive effect on performance; however there is no evidence of synergy. Most HPWP practices are partially mediated by worker attachment to their workplace. Government workplace reform policy, firms' business and labour utilisation strategy, and the presence of professional management contribute to performance.