Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers in the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus (Brachyura: Ocypodidae)

The isolation and characterization of the first polymorphic microsatellite markers for the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus are described. The number of alleles at each locus ranged from three to 25, mean of nine alleles, in 46 crabs captured in two Brazilian mangroves. The markers averaged high levels of observed (0.709 ± 0.183) and expected (0.716 ± 0.170) heterozygosities. Departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were observed at two loci. Linkage disequilibrium tests were not significant and no evidence of null alleles was detected. All these microsatellite loci are expected to be useful in estimating fine‐scale population processes of this valuable mangrove species currently subjected to excessive fishing efforts.
Relation algebra reducts of cylindric algebras and an application to proof theory

Abstract We confirm a conjecture, about neat embeddings of cylindric algebras, made in 1969 by J. D. Monk, and a later conjecture by Maddux about relation algebras obtained from cylindric algebras. These results in algebraic logic have the following consequence for predicate logic: for every finite cardinal α ≥ 3 there is a logically valid sentence X, in a first-order language ℒ with equality and exactly one nonlogical binary relation symbol E, such that X contains only 3 variables (each of which may occur arbitrarily many times), X has a proof containing exactly α + 1 variables, but X has no proof containing only α variables. This solves a problem posed by Tarski and Givant in 1987.
Temporal Trends in Lung Transplant Center Volume and Outcomes in the United States

Publicly available program-specific data from the scientific registry of transplant recipients were used to determine the association between adult lung transplant center volume and 1-year recipient mortality from 2000 to 2007. We found a significant inverse association between the center volume of adult lung transplants and 1-year recipient mortality that is growing more pronounced over time. We conclude that procedure volume is an increasingly important determinant of lung transplant center volume and that policies that improve the performance of low-volume centers or reduce the number of patients who use such centers may be warranted.
The partner selection process of alliances in the manufacturer-distributor marketing channel: a case approach

The past decade has seen an upsurge in the number of strategic alliances entered into by companies in the international business arena. Such alliances may offer opportunities to Irish companies who strive to increase their sales and expand into overseas markets. However, many of these alliances have ended in failure, often due to poor partner selection and management of the alliance. Despite the increase in research examining ways in which companies can improve their ability to ‘get it right’, there remains a considerable deficiency in the information available. In respect of literature relating Irish industry to the process for developing alliances there is a large gap to be filled. This research is an attempt to redress this deficiency. The author posits that in order to select a partner and form a strategic alliance, strategy development, partner assessment and negotiations will be undertaken. A partner selection process framework was developed to examine the partner selection and formation of a distribution alliance. Part of this process involves the selection of partner-related criteria to establish partner fit. Certain characteristics are posited as defining the ‘structure’ of alliance relationships (Achrol et al, 1990) and subsequently as being features of partnership success (Spekman and Sawbney, 1990). Specifically, this research seeks to ascertain the role played by factors such as; compatibility (Narus and Anderson, 1987; Lewis, 1990), commitment (Anderson and Weitz, 1992; Mohr and Spekman, 1994), communication (Salmond and Spekman, 1986), trust (Morgan and Hunt, 1994; Gulati, 1995), and conflict (Magrath and Hardy, 1989; Mohr and Spekman, 1994), in the successful selection and negotiation of an alliance partnership. The research was interested in examining how these variables can be nurtured in the pre-alliance state in order to form a relationship with the intended partner. A qualitative research approach was taken. This involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with an Irish company and a questionnaire which was administered to the overseas partner. Three distribution agreements were investigated, an Irish/German agreement, an Irish/Belgian agreement and a Spanish/Irish agreement. The descriptive case studies ensued from these. The evidence suggests that the partner selection process framework developed by the author is appropriate for use in the formation of a distribution alliance. Furthermore, the case study data revealed that the partner-related criteria should be defined and cultivated in the pre-alliance state. The partner-related criteria can be used to assess partner fit and establish a relationship which realises the joint objectives of the alliance parties.
Dendritic calcium channels and hippocampal long‐term depression

The authors examine the potential role of the different sources of dendritic Ca2+ influx in long‐term depression (LTD) of synaptic efficacy. Recent data on the location and functional distribution of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels obtained from fluorescence imaging and patch clamp experiments are presented. This is followed by a discussion of the existing evidence for different sources of Ca2+ playing a role in the induction of LTD. The authors conclude that a number of key issues need to be resolved before any conclusions are drawn as to the involvement of any specific route of Ca2+ entry in LTD. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Preparatory feeding of the dry stage cow in regard to nutritional condition and the status of the rumen mucosa and rumen flora at calving].

Excessive fat deposition prior to calving and a negative energy balance post partum predispose the high producing cow for an intensive postpartal lipolysis and for the health problems resulting thereof. It was postulated that a well proliferated ruminal mucosa at the beginning of lactation could improve the energy supply by stabilizing the pH of the rumen content with energy rich feed and by providing a high absorption capacity for volatile fatty acids. Results of earlier experiments dealing with this problem are reviewed. Furthermore there is described a pilot experiment with 9 dry cows, which was directed to stimulate rumen mucosa growth ante partum by a low energy ration (roughage) during the first half of the dry period and a high energy ration during the last 3 to 4 weeks prior to calving, without inducing a fat cow. The ruminal mucosa reacted to that feeding regimen as expected and desired. The body weight of 3 cows in moderate and 4 cows in medium body condition increased by 7.2% or 3% during 8 to 11 or 7 to 9 weeks respectively. One of two fat cows lost 4.9% of her body weight within 8 to 9 weeks while the condition of the second animal remained unchanged. No problems were observed at calving. A further progress is expected by feeding the dry cows in two groups with different rations according to their body condition at the end of lactation. Results of experiments as well as practical experiences show that no more than 8 to 10 days are necessary to adapt the ruminal flora to a mixed ration (roughage + concentrates). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Computers, Work Organization, and Wage Outcomes

We examine two factors frequently thought to be changing the U.S. workplace, high performance work practices and computer use, and their relationships with pay using a national probability sample of U.S. establishments. The analysis controls for both organizational and individual characteristics and finds that higher wages are associated with several practices, particularly computer use and teamwork, for front-line workers who are the targets of most high performance work practices. Not surprisingly, relationships are not as strong for other occupations and are very weak in the non-manufacturing sector. Computer use is a particularly important influence on the wages of managers and supervisors, although it is computer use by their subordinates that is the important factor. The most unusual result may be the consistently negative and significant relationship between wages and job rotation where additional analyses suggest that job rotation in isolation from other high performance practices may proxy lower skill jobs. Some of the positive relationships vanish when various controls for human capital are added, suggesting that those wage premiums are a return to human capital and may be driven by greater skill requirements.
The Tight Junction Protein Occludin and the Adherens Junction Protein α-Catenin Share a Common Interaction Mechanism with ZO-1*

The exact sites, structures, and molecular mechanisms of interaction between junction organizing zona occludence protein 1 (ZO-1) and the tight junction protein occludin or the adherens junction protein α-catenin are unknown. Binding studies by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and peptide mapping combined with comparative modeling utilizing crystal structures led for the first time to a molecular model revealing the binding of both occludin and α-catenin to the same binding site in ZO-1. Our data support a concept that ZO-1 successively associates with α-catenin at the adherens junction and occludin at the tight junction. Strong spatial evidence indicates that the occludin C-terminal coiled-coil domain dimerizes and interacts finally as a four-helix bundle with the identified structural motifs in ZO-1. The helix bundle of occludin406–521 and α-catenin509–906 interacts with the hinge region (ZO-1591–632 and ZO-1591–622, respectively) and with (ZO-1726–754 and ZO-1756–781) in the GuK domain of ZO-1 containing coiled-coil and α-helical structures, respectively. The selectivity of both protein-protein interactions is defined by complementary shapes and charges between the participating epitopes. In conclusion, a common molecular mechanism of forming an intermolecular helical bundle between the hinge region/GuK domain of ZO-1 and α-catenin and occludin is identified as a general molecular principle organizing the association of ZO-1 at adherens and tight junctions.
Career Aspirations of Women in Corporate Management: The Case of South Korea

Abstract As there are so many internal and external obstacles that hold women back from even aspiring to be managers, it is vital to investigate and identify what constitutes these. Using the Korean Women's Development Institute's Female Workforce Panel Survey in 2007, this study examines the impact of both personal and organizational factors on career aspirations of women employees and managers. The findings indicate that educational qualifications are among the most important predictors of levels of career aspiration of women managers. In addition, Work-life Balance policies were beneficial in keeping women managers motivated. Discriminatory personnel practices seemed to increase women's career goals, too. Finally, women with the highest ambitions were less likely to be influenced by organizational norms.
Genistein and Trichostatin A Induction of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Gene Expression, Apoptosis and Cell Growth Inhibition in Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG 2 Cells

Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation play important roles in determining gene expression. Hypermethylation of CpG islands of the promoter region of tumor suppressor genes can greatly influence carcinogenesis through transcriptional silencing. Acetylation of lysine in histone tails causes relaxation of chromatin, which facilitates gene transcription, while deacetylation is associated with condensed chromatin resulting in gene silencing. DNA demethylating agents such as genistein (GE) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) such as trichostatin A (TSA) may strongly reactivate silenced genes and exposure to these two agents in combination is reported to enhance estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) reactivation and induction of apoptosis. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of these compounds on ERα gene expression, cell viability and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Hep G2 cells. GE exerted biphasic effects; it stimulated cell growth at a low concentration (1 μM) but inhibitory influence was noted with high concentrations (10, 20 and 40 μM). In contrast, TSA demonstrated inhibitory effects on growth at all of concentrations tested. Furthermore, GE and GE/TSA significantly induced apoptosis at all concentrations, but TSA only after 72 h. GE induced ERα re-expression and this was maximal in combined treatment groups treated with GE/TSA for 72 h. Discussion: Our finding clearly indicates that GE and TSA have an inhibitory cell growth, induce apoptosis and reactivate the ERα gene expression. Conclusion: GE and TSA can significantly inhibit the growth of HCC cells and play a significant role in apoptosis and reactivation of ERα gene.
Relationship Between Capital Structure And Profitability : A Time-Series Cross-Sectional Study On Malaysian Firms

Ever since the M&M Propositions were made in 1958, the issue of capital structure has gained much interest and controversy. The propositions which contended that the value of a firm is independent of its capital structure, have been put to test and researched into time and again. Most of the studies, however, were done in the U.S., hence doubts arise on whether the conclusions would apply in the Malaysian context. Based on this motivation, this study attempted to solve the dearth of research on capital structure, particularly its effect on profitability, of local firms. A total of 267 firms listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Main Board were put under study for a period of ten years (1985 - 1994). Two major sets of variables were used to indicate capital structure i.e. Debt/Equity Ratio, Debt Ratio, Financial Leverage Ratio, Funded Capital Ratio, Funded Debt Ratio, Current Debt Ratio, Funded Assets Ratio, and, profitability i.e. Return On Equity, Earnings Per Share, Return On Investment, Profit Before Tax, Net Income. The variables were analyzed using the time-series cross-sectional methodology. In order to generate empirical evidence, the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, mean and bar chart analysis were employed. The results implied that profitability is significantly related to capital structure. Specifically, profitability was inversely related to the amount of liability in a company’s capital structure. Therefore, the more debt a firm incur, the worse its earnings is hurt. This study also found evidence of the existence an optimal capital structure among listed companies. Firms of different sectors were found to adjust their capital structure regularly in order to achieve an optimal combination of debt and equity.
Physical performance responses during 72 h of military operational stress.

PURPOSE To characterize the impact of prolonged work, underfeeding, and sleep deprivation (i.e., sustained operations; SUSOPS) on physical and occupational related performance during military operational stress. METHODS Ten male soldiers were tested on days 1 (D1), 3 (D3), and 4 (D4) of a control and an experimental week that included prolonged physical work (total daily energy expenditure approximately 4,500 kcal x d(-1)), underfeeding (approximately 1,600 kcal x d(-1)), and sleep deprivation (approximately 2 h x d(-1)). Body composition was measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Ballistic power was assessed by 30 repetitive squat jumps and bench-press throws. Military-relevant occupational performance was evaluated with a 10-min box lift, obstacle course, grenade throw, rifle marksmanship, and a 25-min wall-build task. RESULTS Fat-free mass (-2.3%) and fat mass (-7.3%) declined (P </= 0.05) during SUSOPS. Squat-jump mean power (-9%) and total work (-15%) declined (P </= 0.05) during SUSOPS. Bench-press power output, grenade throw, and marksmanship for pop-up targets were not affected. Obstacle course and box-lift performances were lower (P </= 0.05) on D3 but showed some recovery on D4. Wall building was approximately 25% lower (P </= 0.05) during SUSOPS. CONCLUSION Decrements in performance during SUSOPS are primarily restricted to tasks that recruit muscles that are over-utilized without adequate recovery. General military skill tasks and occupational physical performance tasks are fairly well maintained.
THE ATP-SENSITIVE POTASSIUM-CHANNEL INHIBITOR GLIBENCLAMIDE IMPROVES OUTCOME IN AN OVINE MODEL OF HEMORRHAGIC SHOCK

This study was designed as a prospective laboratory experiment to evaluate the effects of the ATP-sensitive potassium-channel inhibitor glibenclamide on hemodynamics and end-organ function in an ovine model of hemorrhagic shock. Twenty-four adult sheep were anesthetized and surgically prepared to measure hemodynamics of the systemic and pulmonary circulation. The anterior surface of the abdominal aorta was exposed at a location 6 cm superior to the iliac bifurcation. After a 60-min period of stabilization, this location was punctured with a 14-G needle. To induce a hemorrhagic hypotension (mean arterial pressure [MAP] less than 50 mmHg) via bleeding, the needle was left in place for 15 s to insure good blood flow. Thereafter, it was removed, and the abdomen closed. The animals were then randomized to receive either glibenclamide (4 mg/kg over 15 min) or an equal volume of the vehicle, started 1 h postinjury. Hemodynamic variables were measured every 30 min. Compared with the control group, MAP and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) were significantly higher in the intervention group throughout the entire 6-h study period. Ileal pH and urine output were higher in treated than in control animals (4 h, ileal pH 7.29 ± 0.31 vs. 7.17 ± 0.6; 6 h, urine output 36 ± 9 vs. 7.5 ± 2 mL; P value less than 0.05 each). Because glibenclamide improved both hemodynamics and organ function, it may be a beneficial component in the acute treatment of hemorrhagic shock.
Nonprofit Organisations and Social Entrepreneurship Intentions

Nonprofit organizations are valued because they provide services that address unmet needs. Nonprofit organizations who engage in social entrepreneurship augment their contributions through the new services, programs, enterprises and revenue generated. It is not surprising, therefore, for policy makers to encourage social entrepreneurship, social innovations and social enterprises. Such an initiative was introduced in Singapore recently. However, not all nonprofit organizations seek to innovate or create social enterprises. They may continue to devote themselves to their specific fields and existing practices. Entrepreneurship research suggests that under certain conditions, organizations engage in entrepreneurship through new ventures, projects, and innovations. Hence, it is of interest when incumbent nonprofit organizations will engage in social entrepreneurship; what influences their decisions or intentions to create social enterprises. This paper describes the social enterprise scene in Singapore and reports an exploratory study on the intentions of Singapore nonprofit organizations to initiate social enterprises and the influence of their organizational attributes on these intentions.
Alteration of Inflammatory Mediators in the Upper and Lower Airways under Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia: Preliminary Animal Study

Purpose We hypothesized that CIH may affect the upper airway immune system and aimed to verify whether CIH can induce airway inflammation in a murine obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) model. Methods C57BL6 male mice were exposed to intermittent hypoxia (CIH group; 5 ~ 21% FiO2, 120 sec cycles, 12 h/d, n = 6) or room air (Sham group, n = 6) for up to 4 weeks in identical chambers. Nasal and lung tissues and lavage fluid were collected and analyzed by multiplex assay. Lung lavage fluid was also utilized for FACS analysis to determine eosinophil count. Results We determined the protein level of 24 different cytokines, chemokines, and inflammatory mediators. Among various cytokines, levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13 were significantly elevated in nose or lung tissue from the CIH group. In addition, MCP-1 and periostin were elevated in nose and lung tissue and lavage fluid from the CIH group. Conclusions CIH for 4 weeks altered the levels of inflammatory mediators in both the nose and lungs of mouse model. We suggest that the airway immune system may be deteriorated by CIH and allergic inflammation in the upper or lower airway could be worsened by sleep apnea.
Above the Cloud: Enhancing Cybersecurity in the Aerospace Sector

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory was under sustained cyber attacks for years, according to Congressional testimony. Yet this incident was only part of a string of some thirteen successful breaches in 2011 alone, prompting an investigation by the NASA Office of Inspector General, which stated: “We found that computer servers on NASA’s Agency-wide mission network had high-risk vulnerabilities that were exploitable from the Internet. ” The report goes on to note, “These deficiencies occurred because NASA had not fully assessed and mitigated risks to its Agency-wide mission network and was slow to assign responsibility for IT security oversight to ensure the network was adequately protected. ” Yet NASA is far from the only victim in the air and space sector of cyber attacks. Organizations ranging from defense contractors like Lockheed Martin to SpaceX have been targeted, and sometimes penetrated, resulting in the loss of invaluable trade secrets that impact economic competitiveness and national security alike. This Article argues that a polycentric response is needed to manage the cyber threat to the aerospace sector. As part of this approach, aerospace organizations should utilize the recently released National Institute for Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework to better protect their assets by instilling cybersecurity best practices from the bottom up, and engage in more robust information sharing similar to recent efforts in the critical infrastructure and retail sectors.
The MacAIMS data management system

Abstract : The paper describes the MacAIMS Data Management System (MADAM). It begins with a brief discussion of the overall goals of the project, its operating environment (Multics), and its data management requirements. The MADAM system is based on a relational model of data, and employs set-theoretic primitive operations for manipulating data. The basic philosophy of the system and some issues involved in its implementation are described. (Author)
Kinematics of the dwarf spheroidal galaxies Draco and Ursa Minor

The aim of this thesis is to study the kinematics of the Local Group dwarf spheroidal galaxies Ursa Minor and Draco. These two galaxies are an interesting pair to study, since they are similar in terms of mass, extent, and distance. However, while Draco appears to have a perfect, undisturbed stellar distribution, Ursa Minor shows signs of tidal disturbance. We use new optical spectroscopy of individual red giant branch stars from the AF2-WYFFOS fiber spectrograph on the William Herschel Telescope. We observed several hundred stars in the CaII triplet region. The data have been pipeline-processed at CASU in Cambridge using prototype WEAVE processing. We combine our dataset of Draco with data published by Walker, Olszewski & Mateo (2015) and apply orbit-based Schwarzschild modeling to the velocity data in order to constrain the dwarf spheroidal’s (dark) matter distribution. We are able to determine the dark matter halo mass distribution for a NFW and a cored profile.