Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strategic Alliances and the Learning Life-Cycle of Biotechnology Firms

Strategic alliances in the biotechnology industry are used as an inter-organizational learning device, in addition to their ability to provide financial resources, vertical and horizontal integration facilities, and legitimacy to dedicated biotechnology firms (DBFs). However, despite the advantages associated with strategic alliances, the literature accounts for hazards and disadvantages as well. This paper analyzes the relationship between organizational life-cycle and the formation of strategic alliances based on a population of 554 new biotechnology firms (DBFs) in a 15-year period. Using event history analysis, this study tests two propositions: that the inability of DBFs to form strategic alliances will be associated with organizational death and that firm growth will make it possible to reduce network learning through alliances (exploration stage of learning), allowing the firm to enter a period of internalized learning (exploitation). These propositions are supported by the data. The findings showed that lack of alliances is associated with organizational death, that learning through alliances is not a cumulative process, and that firm life-cycle alliance formation is not linear. Although alliance-based learning is vital to biotechnology firms at the early stages of their formation, when learning is associated with exploration, at later phases of the life-cycle, learning is internally exploited through intrafirm networks. The results also provide some evidence that another phase of external, network based, learning follows.
Transnational Entrepreneurship amongst Vietnamese Businesses in London

This paper draws on research with Vietnamese businesses in London which seeks to challenge some of the traditional views of transnational entrepreneurship. These have focused primarily on entrepreneurs embedded in both home and host countries and the need for regular travel between the two to manage the business. In contrast, this study suggests that transnational entrepreneurship today is more fluid than previous studies have suggested and is often characterised by multi-polar (rather than bipolar) links. Travel is also less relevant in the current age of ‘super-connectivity’. The research explores how Vietnamese entrepreneurs in London draw on various forms of transnational capital to further the development of their business, and develops a framework to measure the degree and extent of the transnational embeddedness and dependency of the business. The results suggest that transnational entrepreneurship amongst ethnic minority entrepreneurs today is better viewed as a continuum rather than a set of discrete business types.
The martian hydrosphere/cryosphere system: Implications of the absence of hydrologic activity at Lyot crater

The Amazonian‐aged 215 km‐diameter Lyot crater represents a transient 'drill‐hole' into the martian hydrosphere/cryosphere system. Cratering mechanics predict that the event should have penetrated the cryosphere and released groundwater held under artesian conditions. A plausible explanation for the lack of evidence for hydrologic activity within Lyot is an absence of abundant subsurface groundwater in the region at the time of impact.
Candidate Perception among Nomination Activists: A New Look at the Moderation Hypothesis

The moderation hypothesis, that ideologically moderate candidates in a two-party contest are more likely to win elections than extreme candidates, is both prevailing wisdom and a major conclusion of spatial theories of elections. We examine the hypothesis using perceptual data from samples of caucus attenders in the 1984 and 1988 presidential nomination campaigns at both the individual and the cross-candidate levels of analysis. In both analyses, we find qualified support for the moderation hypothesis. In explaining individuals' perceptions of the four nominees' electability, we find a modest effect of perceived proximity to the American voter for all candidates, save George Bush. Other variables, such as party, candidate affect, and nomination chances are stronger predictors, and the candidate's perceived abilities on TV rivals moderation in its impact. In our comparative analysis of some 20 candidates, we find that Ronald Reagan and John Glenn were very significant outliers in what is otherwise a strong relationship between moderation and electability. We also find that performance on TV is a strong and significant predictor of electability. We conclude that the moderation hypothesis holds up reasonably well for the large majority of candidates, but that other candidate factors are also important to include in any complete assessment of candidate electability in November.
Fast exploration of an optimal path on the multidimensional free energy surface

In a reaction, determination of an optimal path with a high reaction rate (or a low free energy barrier) is important for the study of the reaction mechanism. This is a complicated problem that involves lots of degrees of freedom. For simple models, one can build an initial path in the collective variable space by the interpolation method first and then update the whole path constantly in the optimization. However, such interpolation method could be risky in the high dimensional space for large molecules. On the path, steric clashes between neighboring atoms could cause extremely high energy barriers and thus fail the optimization. Moreover, performing simulations for all the snapshots on the path is also time-consuming. In this paper, we build and optimize the path by a growing method on the free energy surface. The method grows a path from the reactant and extends its length in the collective variable space step by step. The growing direction is determined by both the free energy gradient at the end of the path and the direction vector pointing at the product. With fewer snapshots on the path, this strategy can let the path avoid the high energy states in the growing process and save the precious simulation time at each iteration step. Applications show that the presented method is efficient enough to produce optimal paths on either the two-dimensional or the twelve-dimensional free energy surfaces of different small molecules.
Sporting Recommendations for Teaching Fair Play: A Logical and Evolutionary Account

Sporting Recommendations for Teaching Fair Play: A Logical and Evolutionary Account In this paper I argue for a cross-disciplinary approach to teaching sport ethics. I call this a logical and evolutionary account because information that emanates from cell biology, anthropology, philosophy and everywhere in between, I claim, is needed in developing effective fair play pedagogies. The gist of the argument is this: We need to teach smarter, not just harder. Teaching smarter, I say, comes from an understanding of human nature and the logic of sport. I discuss animal behavior, emotions, genetic predispositions, human evolution, the structure of games, philosophical idealism, and other factors in producing five recommendations for teaching sport ethics.
Vibrometry

Abstract: Our objective was to test vibrometry as a means to measure changes in aneurysm sac pressure in an in vitro aneurysm model. Explanted porcine abdominal aortas and nitrile rubber tubes were used to model an aneurysm sac. An ultrasound beam was used to vibrate the surface of the aneurysm model. The motion generated on the surface was detected either by reflected laser light or by a second ultrasound probe. This was recorded at different aneurysm pressures. The phase of the propagating wave was measured to assess changes in velocity and to see if there was a correlation with aneurysm pressure. The cumulative phase shift detected by laser or Doppler correlated well with increasing hydrostatic pressure in both the rubber and the porcine aorta model. The square of the mean pressure correlated well with the cumulative phase shift when dynamic pressure was generated by a pump. However, the pulse pressure was poorly correlated with the cumulative phase shift. Noninvasive measurement of changes in aortic aneurysm sac tension is feasible in an in vitro setting using the concept of vibrometry. This could potentially be used to noninvasively detect wall stress in native aneurysms and endotension after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and to predict the risk of rupture.
Tau Gene Mutation K257T Causes a Tauopathy Similar to Pick's Disease

Exonic and intronic mutations in Tau cause neurodegenerative syndromes characterized by frontotemporal dementia and filamentous tau protein deposits. Here we describe a K257T missense mutation in exon 9 of Tau. The proband, a 47-yr-old male, presented with severe personality changes followed by semantic memory loss. A diagnosis of Pick's disease was made. The symptoms progressed until death at age 51. The proband's brain showed a marked frontotemporal atrophy that was most pronounced in the temporal lobes. Numerous tau-immunoreactive Pick bodies were present in the neocortex and the hippocampal formation, as well as in some subcortical brain regions. Their appearance and staining characteristics were indistinguishable from those of sporadic Pick's disease. Diffuse staining for hyperphosphorylated tau was also observed in some nerve cell bodies. Immunoblot analysis of sarkosyl-insoluble tau showed 2 major bands of 60 and 64 kDa and 2 very minor bands of 68 and 72 kDa. Upon dephosphorylation, these bands resolved into 6 bands consisting of 3-repeat and 4-repeat tau isoforms, with an overall preponderance of 3-repeat tau. Isolated tau filaments were narrow, irregularly twisted ribbons. Biochemically, recombinant tau proteins with the K257T mutation showed a reduced ability to promote microtubule assembly, suggesting that this may be the primary effect of the mutation. In addition, the K257T mutation was found to stimulate heparin-induced assembly of 3-repeat tau into filaments. Taken together, the present findings indicate that the K257T mutation in Tau can cause a dementing condition similar to Pick's disease.
Characterization of the inhibitory effects of bile acids on very-low-density lipoprotein secretion by rat hepatocytes in primary culture.

In this study the effects of bile acids and other organic anions on the secretion of very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) were evaluated in rat hepatocytes in primary culture. Incubation of cells with portal blood concentrations (10-200 microM) of bile acids resulted in dose-dependent suppression of secretion of VLDL-associated [3H]triglyceride (TG) formed from [3H]glycerol, and also of TG mass. The degree of the inhibition was highly correlated with intracellular bile acid concentration. Prolonged incubation with 100 microM extracellular taurocholic acid (TC) decreased the secretion of [3H]TG and TG mass to 35% and 50% of the controls respectively. Cellular content of mass and of [3H]TG during prolonged incubation with TC were about 20% and 60% higher than the controls respectively. The inhibitory effect remained for at least 24 h in the presence of TC without altering VLDL-lipid and VLDL-apolipoprotein compositions or the size distribution of the particles. Secretion of apoB-100 and of apoB-48 was inhibited to a similar extent. Cells largely lost their capacity to accumulate bile acids intracellularly after 48 h in culture. In these cells TC was unable to exert its suppressive effects. Taurine and glycine conjugates of all common bile acids were capable of suppressing [3H]TG secretion. Trihydroxylated (cholic acid) and various dihydroxylated (deoxycholic, chenodeoxycholic and ursodeoxycholic acids) bile acids had similar capacities in this respect, suggesting that their common sterol-3 alpha-OH structure is required for the suppressive effect. Neither non-bile acid organic anions, e.g. bilirubin ditaurate and dibromosulphthalein, nor dianionic bile acid metabolites, e.g. sulphated taurolithocholic acid and lithocholate-3-O-glucuronide, showed any effect on [3H]TG secretion. These results indicate that bile acids might play a physiological role in regulating VLDL production by the liver, especially in the postprandial state when their enterohepatic circulation is stimulated.
The Politics of International Judicial Appointments: Evidence from the European Court of Human Rights

Theories of government–international court relations assume that judges share an interest in expanding the reach of their court. Yet, casual observation suggests that international judges vary in their activist orientations and that governments selectively appoint judges. This article explores a new data set of dissents in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to estimate the ideal points of judges. The results show that activism-restraint is indeed the main dimension of contestation among judges. Variation in judicial activism cannot be accounted for by different legal cultures of judges or by levels of domestic human rights observance in the judges' countries of origins. Instead, aspiring European Union (EU) members and governments more favorably disposed toward European integration appoint more activist judges. These results imply that politics matters in the appointment of international judges and that EU expansion was an important driving force behind the ECHR's increased activism. More generally, the analysis suggests that agent selection is an important and understudied tool for influencing international organizations.Earlier versions of this article were presented at seminars at the University of Chicago, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, George Washington, the University of Wisconsin, William and Mary, Princeton, and Georgetown as well as the 2006 Annual Meetings of the American Political Science Association. I much appreciate comments and suggestions from the participants in those seminars, two anonymous referees, Karen Alter, Freek Bruinsma, Rachel Cichowski, Allison Danner, Darren Hawkins, Larry Helfer, Christopher Joyner, Charles Lipson, Emily Meierding, Andrew Moravcsik, Kimberly Morgan, Eric Posner, Mike Tierney, and Andreas von Staden. I thank Jamie Druckman, Andrew Roberts, and Paul Warwick for making data on cabinet composition available.
Spiral-Shaped Driveways: A Novel Method for Traffic Circles

Better design of large traffic circles is very important for the growing need of high quality travel. This paper presents a novel method for channeling the large traffic circles based on the spiral-shaped driveways, which is inspired by the Eight Diagram of Taoism. This channelization eliminates many potential conflict points as well as improves the traffic flux. Better utilization of the center island becomes possible. After applying the error-correcting mechanism, this design becomes more considerate and more branches can be added.
School peer victimization of young people with craniofacial conditions: A comparative study

Young people with and without craniofacial conditions were compared on perceived incidence and frequency of school-based peer victimization and resultant distress; the relationship of craniofacial disfigurement severity to victimization incidence and frequency was also assessed. A deliberately biased sample—over-representing greater disfigurement—of 85 young people (9 to 16 years of age), continuing or having completed treatment for a craniofacial condition, were rated on current disfigurement severity, and responded to an extended version of the Direct and Indirect Aggression Scale (DIAS) presented as a structured telephone interview. Fifty-five matched school peers without craniofacial conditions responded to the same interview. Greater craniofacial disfigurement was associated with greater likelihood and frequency of being targeted with certain aggressive behaviours identified from the craniofacial literature. However, no more young people with, than without, craniofacial conditions experienced frequent victimization, considerable emotional distress or references to their appearance. This study provides a social comparison for victimized young people with craniofacial conditions. Knowing that those without disfigurement are also victimized may help ease their disfigurement-related cognitions. This study highlights the limitations of surgical correction for disfigurement, and promotes a more realistic view for victimization experiences and intervention options.
Occurrence, public health hazards and detection methods of antibiotic residues in foods of animal origin: A comprehensive review

Abstract The major use of antibiotics is for the treatment and prevention of diseases. Antibiotics are used in the livestock industry to enhance growth rate, increase feed efficiency and reduce disease development. But unscrupulous use of antibiotic plays a major role in the emerging public health crisis of antibiotic resistance. The issue becomes more relevant on a future perspective because the global use of antimicrobials for food animal production is predicted to increase by 67% in 2030. This issue required timely intervention in India because India is a hotspot with higher consumption (30 kg/km2) for industrial poultry production, which is expected to grow 312% by 2030. But on same time complete ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) can create an economic loss of 44.1 billion USD in global meat production. Antibiotic residues in food have twofold concern; one is potential threat of direct toxicity in humans and the second is possible development of resistant strains and failure of antibiotic therapy in clinical cases. This review critically analyzes global trends in the use of AGP, its incidence, methods of detection and associated health concerns and suggests possible ways to reduce the residues in foods of animal origin.
A comparison study between genetic algorithms and bayesian optimize algorithms by novel indices

Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are a search and optimization technique based on the mechanism of evolution. Recently, another sort of population-based optimization method called Estimation of Distribution Algorithms (EDAs) have been proposed to solve the GA's defects. Although several comparison studies between GAs and EDAs have been made, little is known about differences of statistical features between them. In this paper, we propose new statistical indices which are based on the concepts of crossover and mutation, used in GAs, to analyze the behavior of the population based optimization techniques. We also show simple results of comparison studies between GAs and the Bayesian Optimization Algorithm (BOA), a well-known Estimation of Distribution Algorithms (EDAs).
Immune-mediated Hearing Loss: Basic Mechanisms and Options for Therapy

Immune responses are an important component of the defense of the inner ear against infection. However, immunity appears to be restricted in the labyrinth, as the inflammation associated with immune responses can damage the delicate cellular structures that mediate hearing and balance. When immunoregulation is compromised, either experimentally or through disease, immune-mediated inner ear damage and hearing loss can result. Because there are few resident leukocytes within the labyrinth, immunity and inflammation are mediated primarily by cells that enter the inner ear following the activation of post-capillary venules, which in the cochlea are the spiral modiolar veins. Activated lymphocytes are an important component of the infiltrating leukocytes, and their interactions with antigen mediate inner ear immunity. While evidence of autoimmunity specific to the inner ear is incomplete, an autoimmune origin is often suspected in idiopathic, bilateral, rapidly progressive hearing loss. Systemic immunosuppressive drugs can be effective in reversing such hearing loss, although at the cost of occasionally severe side-effects. Experimental evidence suggests that local therapy may be effective in treating this condition, if it were to target the infiltration of leukocytes into the labyrinth.
Deep convolutional hamming ranking network for large scale image retrieval

In this paper we address the problem of large image retrieval from millions of images. Recently, deep convolutional neural network has demonstrated superior performance in a number of computer vision applications. We propose to adapt the existing architecture targeted towards image classification to directly learn features for efficient image retrieval. We extend the Weighted Approximate Rank Pairwise(WARP) loss to the Hamming space for learning binary features. The features learned with the ranking loss achieve higher accuracy. Extensive experiments demonstrate competitive performance on five public benchmark datasets UKbench, Holidays, Oxford Buildings, Paris Buildings and San Francisco Landmarks.
Supersymmetric fluxbrane intersections and closed string tachyons

We consider NS-NS superstring model with several ``magnetic'' parameters bs (s = 1,.,N) associated with twists mixing a compact S1 direction with angles in N spatial 2-planes of flat 10-dimensional space. It generalizes the Kaluza-Klein Melvin model which has single parameter b. The corresponding U-dual background is a R-R type-IIA solution describing an orthogonal intersection of N flux 7-branes. Like the Melvin model, the NS-NS string model with N continuous parameters is explicitly solvable; we present its perturbative spectrum and torus partition function explicitly for the N = 2 case. For generic bs (above some critical values) there are tachyons in the S1 winding sector. A remarkable feature of this model is that while in the Melvin N = 1 case all supersymmetry is broken, a fraction of it may be preserved for N > 1 by making a special choice of the parameters bs. Such solvable NS-NS models may be viewed as continuous-parameter analogs of non-compact orbifold models; they and their U-dual R-R fluxbrane counterparts may have some ``phenomenological'' applications. In particular, in N = 3 case one finds a special 1/4 supersymmetric R-R 3-brane background. Putting Dp-branes in flat twisted NS-NS backgrounds leads to world-volume gauge theories with reduced amount of supersymmetry. We also discuss possible evolution patterns of unstable backgrounds towards stable supersymmetric ones.
NEWS STORIES

Through focus groups with four self-described “independent” college student newspapers, this study provides a new perspective on how to view student media independence. Choices student journalists make concerning sourcing, funding, location and guidance may contribute to the newspaper's level of independence more than how much an institution attempts to control the student media. Expressed invitations by student journalists to non-students and faculty in guiding editorial content and by using university resources to produce a newspaper, such as Internet access, relinquishes the students' control to the university and other non-students.