Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions between Nitrous Oxide and Tissue Plasminogen Activator in a Rat Model of Thromboembolic Stroke

Background: Preclinical evidence in rodents has suggested that inert gases, such as xenon or nitrous oxide, may be promising neuroprotective agents for treating acute ischemic stroke. This has led to many thinking that clinical trials could be initiated in the near future. However, a recent study has shown that xenon interacts with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), a well-recognized approved therapy of acute ischemic stroke. Although intraischemic xenon inhibits tPA-induced thrombolysis and subsequent reduction of brain damage, postischemic xenon virtually suppresses both ischemic brain damage and tPA-induced brain hemorrhages and disruption of the blood–brain barrier. The authors investigated whether nitrous oxide could also interact with tPA. Methods: The authors performed molecular modeling of nitrous oxide binding on tPA, characterized the concentration-dependent effects of nitrous oxide on tPA enzymatic and thrombolytic activity in vitro, and investigated the effects of intraischemic and postischemic nitrous oxide in a rat model of thromboembolic acute ischemic stroke. Results: The authors demonstrate nitrous oxide is a tPA inhibitor, intraischemic nitrous oxide dose-dependently inhibits tPA-induced thrombolysis and subsequent reduction of ischemic brain damage, and postischemic nitrous oxide reduces ischemic brain damage, but in contrast with xenon, it increases brain hemorrhages and disruption of the blood–brain barrier. Conclusions: In contrast with previous studies using mechanical acute stroke models, these data obtained in a clinically relevant rat model of thromboembolic stroke indicate that nitrous oxide should not be considered a good candidate agent for treating acute ischemic stroke compared with xenon.
STIMULATED INCORPORATION OF AMINO ACIDS INTO PROTEINS OF SYNAPTOSOMAL FRACTIONS INDUCED BY DEPOLARIZING TREATMENTS

Abstract— Rat cortical synaptosome preparations incorporated l‐amino acids into protein at a linear rate over 30–60 min. Synaptosomes showed large increases in incorporation after treatment with electrical pulses, veratrine or K+. This was inhibited (controls, 73%; electrically stimulated 58%) by cycloheximide and by chloramphenicol (28 and 44% respectively). Omission of Ca2+ from the medium had no effect, but the absence of Na+ greatly diminished the stimulus‐induced increase in incorporation due to pulses. Electrical pulses, veratrine and K+ (in order of effectiveness), all showed their greatest proportional effects on amino acid incorporation into the Triton‐X‐100 insoluble portions of the synaptosomal membrane: the ‘junctional complex’, soluble in SDS, and the residue. Tetrodotoxin (1 μm), although ineffective when potassium was the stimulus, prevented or reduced the respiratory response, K+ loss and differential amino acid release, as well as the amino acid incorporation into protein observed with pulses and veratrine.
Shanzai! Mediatek and the 'White Box' Handset Market

The term "White Box" is often used to describe products without a brand name. Such products are assembled from standardized parts, and they became a very popular category of desktop PCs. Hsinchu, Taiwan based MediaTek is a fabless semiconductor company that unleashed a white box market in mobile phone handsets by offering an innovative "complete solution" for 2.5G and 2.7G handset manufacturers, dramatically lowering the barriers to entry into the business. Besides enabling many Chinese branded manufacturers to enter the business, the grey market in components unleashed a complementary market of "Shanzhai" makers. Together these firms captured a significant fraction of the China market, as well as exports (both legal and grey) to 102 countries. CEO Ming-Kai Tsai is faced with the question of the best growth path. While multiple tier one handset makers are dismissive of MediaTek, perhaps because of its role in enabling the Shanzhai, the company's offerings have enabled an "army of ants" to challenge the leaders. Can MediaTek move up-market to sell its chipsets to the likes of Nokia? Under what terms? Learning Objective:Ask students to use the lenses of disruptive innovations, modularity, and jobs-based segmentation to understanding the opportunities and challenges in emerging markets like China.
Amplitude Estimation by a Multipoint Interpolated DFT Approach

This paper focuses on the amplitude estimation by a multipoint interpolated discrete Fourier transform (DFT) method. Accurate results are obtained using the weighted multipoint interpolated DFT (WMIpDFT) method with maximum sidelobe decay windows. In addition, using the WMIpDFT method with maximum sidelobe decay windows, it is mathematically proven that the systematic errors affecting the amplitude estimation decrease as the number of interpolation points and/or the window order increases. Computer simulations confirm the accuracy of the derived expressions. Moreover, the influence of white Gaussian noise on the amplitude estimations has been analyzed by means of computer simulations.
A 2.5Gbps Burst-Mode Clock and Data Recovery Circuit

A 2.5Gbps burst-mode CDR circuit is fabricated in 0.18mum CMOS process. The data generator for this CDR circuit is presented with reduced hardware and low power dissipation. The tight timing budget of the clock generator is also relaxed. The bit error rate less than 10-12 is achieved for a PRBS of 231-1 with 500ppm frequency deviation. The area of the digital core is 0.36mm2 and the power of 33mW/port is achieved for a 1.8V supply
Manufacturing of the ITER TF Conductors in China

The toroidal field (TF) coil conductor is a cable-in-conduit conductor made up of superconducting, Nb3Sn-based strands mixed with pure copper strands. The strands are assembled in a multistage cable around an open central spiral. The cable and its spiral are inserted into a stainless steel jacket. The jacket provides the helium confinement and must conform to the leak tightness standard defined herein. A technological complex has been developed at the Institute of Plasma Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences for serial production of ITER TF conductors is described. This technology was developed as a result of performing some R&D programs on selecting cabling parameters, welding technology, elaboration of cable insertion, compaction, and winding process. One qualification dummy TF conductor (760 m) and superconducting conductor (110 m) were successfully made. A new manufacturing complex was developed within the Institute of Plasma Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences for realization of this technology. The details of manufacturing procedures are described in this paper. It consists of a cabling workshop, and jacketing line equipped with full production machinery and test devices.
The Impact of Internalized Homophobia on Outness for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals

A set of statistical regression procedures were conducted to examine how being “out” to friends, family, and colleagues predicted scores on the IHP. Results suggested internalized homophobia is a predictor of outness to friends, colleagues, and extended family, but not nuclear family. This means that LGB individuals who experience higher degrees of internalized homophobia are less likely to be out to multiple groups of people, but not nuclear family. These findings are surprising considering the high degree of difficulty and anxiety associated with coming out to parents, the anticipated rejection by the nuclear family, and the fact that many LGB individuals remain closeted to family members indefinitely or until later in life.
Knowledge acquisition and usage behavior in Internet banking

In the last decade, more and more service providers have realized the advantage of self-service technologies (SSTs), and, therefore, the number of SSTs has grown at an enormous rate. The infusion of SSTs is dramatically changing the nature of the service encounter because it allows (or forces) consumers to produce their own service encounters by interacting with machines rather than by interacting with a firm’s service personnel (Lee and Allaway, 2002). Examples of SSTs are Internet banking, airline ticketing machines, automated teller machines (ATMs), computer-based shopping from service providers, and self-scanning checkouts in grocery stores (Lee and Allaway, 2002). The SST under investigation in this thesis is Internet banking. Although it is evident that Internet banking is gaining in popularity, it is less clear what the drivers are for consumers’ continued use of Internet banking (Yen and Gwinner, 2003). Before the development of Internet banking, the success of a distribution channel mostly depended on the location. However, as a result of this development, many of the old principles associated with the success of distribution channels have become irrelevant. New technologies are expected on the horizon; mobile Internet, broadband, and digital television all may serve as new distribution channels between service firms and their consumers. Independent of how far we have developed technologically and which distribution channels are being used today, new and even more powerful and promising solutions await just around the corner. Previous research on Internet banking use has mainly focused on antecedents of attitude toward and corresponding behavioral intentions to use, but has not linked these variables to the use (Weijters, Schillewaert, Rangarajan, and Falk, 2005). In this dissertation, a comprehensive model of Internet banking use that integrates several of the technology choice theories is presented. This dissertation not only integrates concepts of the technology acceptance model (TAM), innovation diffusion theory, and the expectation-confirmation model, but also takes into consideration several influential, albeit often ignored, factors (e.g., social influence, knowledge, and consumer demographics) to explain individuals’ continued use of Internet banking.
SME's Views on the Adoption and Application of "IFRS for SMEs" in Turkey

Turkey is one of the countries that have debates on the necessary arrangements and preparations before the adoption of “International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Mid-sized Entities” which was issued in July 2009 by International Accounting Standards Board. In the adoption process, the views of different parties should be sought and the steps should be taken very carefully. This study aims to bring to light the views of small and medium-sized entities (SMEs) which are the most important party in these debates and which will be affected from the adoption most. The objectives of this study are to determine the current structure of SME accounting and financial reporting, the views of SMEs on the adoption and application of the standard and the possible variables that might be affecting SMEs’ thoughts. 216 SMEs participated to the research by filling up a questionnaire, and the results show that SMEs support the adoption of the new standard, they want it to be elective, rather than compulsory, and even if it is elective, most of the respondents are eager to apply it.
Omics and modelling approaches for understanding regulation of asymmetric cell divisions in arabidopsis and other angiosperm plants.

BACKGROUND Asymmetric cell divisions are formative divisions that generate daughter cells of distinct identity. These divisions are coordinated by either extrinsic ('niche-controlled') or intrinsic regulatory mechanisms and are fundamentally important in plant development. SCOPE This review describes how asymmetric cell divisions are regulated during development and in different cell types in both the root and the shoot of plants. It further highlights ways in which omics and modelling approaches have been used to elucidate these regulatory mechanisms. For example, the regulation of embryonic asymmetric divisions is described, including the first divisions of the zygote, formative vascular divisions and divisions that give rise to the root stem cell niche. Asymmetric divisions of the root cortex endodermis initial, pericycle cells that give rise to the lateral root primordium, procambium, cambium and stomatal cells are also discussed. Finally, a perspective is provided regarding the role of other hormones or regulatory molecules in asymmetric divisions, the presence of segregated determinants and the usefulness of modelling approaches in understanding network dynamics within these very special cells. CONCLUSIONS Asymmetric cell divisions define plant development. High-throughput genomic and modelling approaches can elucidate their regulation, which in turn could enable the engineering of plant traits such as stomatal density, lateral root development and wood formation.
Differences between Concentrationsof Salivary Cortisol and Cortisone and of Free Cortisol and Cortisone in Plasma during Pregnancy and Postpartum

We measured cortisol and cortisone in plasma-both total and free-and in saliva during the course of pregnancy and postpartum. Antepartum and postpartum concentrations and morning and afternoon concentrations of both steroids were compared. The mean concentrations of cortisol and cortisone increased towards term and were significantly greater at the end of pregnancy than postpartum, except for free cortisol in plasma in the afternoon. The daily rhythm of both steroids was maintained throughout pregnancy and postpartum. The correlations between salivary and plasma free concentrations of cortisol and cortisone as well as of the sum of cortisol + cortisone were highly significant. The mean concentrations of cortisone in saliva accurately reflected both total and free concentrations in plasma. For cortisol, however, the change of the concentrations in saliva, was somewhat different from that in plasma. Moreover, the mass ratio of plasma free cortisol to salivary cortisol was about 2, whereas for cortisone the ratio was only about 0.5, probably owing to the conversionof cortisol to cortisoneby 11/3hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the salivary gland. Furthermore, the passage of cortisol and cortisone from plasma to saliva should not be regarded as simple diffusion, because in the first half of pregnancy the sum of the concentrations of cortisol + cortisone in saliva significantly exceeded the sum of their free concentrations in plasma.
Proliferation in the posterior region of the lens of c-maf-/- mice

Purpose. To examine the involvement of the c-maf gene in the proliferation of the lens cells. Methods. Eyes of the E13 and E18 stages of the wild-type and c-maf-/- mice were analyzed by BrdU incorporation assay, TUNEL assay and immunocytochemistry using a anti-P27(KIP1) and a anti-P57(KIP2) antibody. Results. In the E13 and E18 c-maf mutant lens, BrdU-positive cells were detected at the posterior region of the lens. Cell-cycle inhibitor P27(KIP1) and P57(KIP2) were expressed in the equatorial and posterior region of the lens of both wild-type and c-maf-/- lenses. Conclusion. These results suggest that the expression of c-maf is required for differentiation and cell cycle arrest of lens fiber cells. It is also suggested that P27(KIP1) and P57(KIP2) were not involved in the continued proliferation of posterior region of the c-maf-/- lens.
Threats to sustainable forestry development in Oyo State, Nigeria

Oyo state has a huge forest resource. The rural communities depend on the forest for their livelihood, while it is a source of revenue for the government. Presently, the forest resource is faced with a decline in quantity and quality. In order to address this decline, this study has been designed to investigate the threats to sustainable forestry development. The data were generated from Oyo state forest resource inventory. The triangle of sustainability and International Tropical Trade Organisation (ITTO) criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management were used to discuss the impact of factors affecting sustainable forestry and evaluate forestry in Oyo state, respectively. The study indicated that forestry in Oyo state has not been able to meet the criteria for sustainable forest management. Major factors hindering sustainable forestry were socio-economic, such as unclear tenure and property right, inefficient use of resources, inadequate information about the forest, weaknesses in implementation of the forest management plan and enforcement of the forestry law. These factors have led to some impacts such as loss of revenue, economic insecurity and instability, loss of biological diversity, depletion of the forest resource and disempowerment of the rural communities. Major suggestions made are that the indigenous communities should be actively involved in forest management operations, customary laws should be incorporated into formal land allocation laws and a comprehensive environmental education campaign should be undertaken.
Feature-Based Retinal Image Registration Using Bifurcation Structures

Abstract — This paper presents a new structural feature for feature-based retinal image registration. The conventional point-matching methods largely depend on the branching angles of single bifurcation point. The feature correspondence across two images may not be unique due to the similar angle values. In view of this, structure-matching registration is favored. The bifurcation structure is composed of a master bifurcation point and its three connected neighbors. The characteristic vector of each bifurcation structure consists of the normalized branching angle and length, which is invariant against translation, rotation, scaling, and even modest distortion. This can greatly reduce the ill-posed nature of the matching process as long as the vasculature pattern can be segmented. The simplicity and efficiency of the proposed method make it readily to be applied alone or incorporated with other existing methods to formulate a hybrid or hierarchy scheme.
A note on computing partial derivatives of the value function by simulation

The problems involving incentive compatibility constrains in the form of participation constrains have received wide attention in the literature due to the recent advances in the dynamic optimization techniques. Often the optimality conditions for this class of problems involve partial derivatives of the optimal value function with respect to some of the endogenous state variables. In this note we suggest an algorithm for computing these partial derivatives by simulation. The attractive features of the algorithm include its rather wide scope of applicability and simplicity of implementation. Furthermore, the suggested method does not su¤er from the curse of dimensionality and therefore it is particularly convenient for the models involving many state variables. (JEL C63, E10) Keywords: dynamic participation constrains, numerical algorithm, simulation. 1 Introduction The purpose of this note is to propose a simple algorithm for computing partial derivatives of the optimal value function. The problems involving incentive compatibility constrains in the form of participation constrains have received wide attention in the literature due to the recent advances in the dynamic optimization techniques. Often the optimality conditions for this class of problems involve partial derivatives with respect to some of the endogenous state variables of the optimal value function corresponding to the dynamic programming formulation of an outside option. Although many numerical methods can provide an approximation for the value function, there is no reason to believe that a derivative of this approximation will be close in any sense to the actual value of the derivative. In this note we suggest an algorithm for computing these partial derivatives by simulation. This issue has been previously considered by Marcet and Marimon (1992) who solved numerically a growth model with capital accumulation under one-sided lack of commitment. To circumvent the problem of nding the values of the derivatives Marcet and Marimon (1992) School of Economics, Australian School of Business, The University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia. Tel. : (+61) 9385 3351; Email: a.dmitriev@unsw.edu. au
Model and authoring tool to help teachers adapt serious games to their educational contexts

After a study, we established that one of the obstacles of the adoption of serious games (SGs) by teachers was that they cannot shape their educational scenarios to their specific teaching context. The work we present in this paper tackles the general problem of designing tools to help them customise the educational scenarios of SGs. Our approach is to provide a model suited to describe SGs that are composed of several stages, and to provide its implementation in an authoring tool in order to help the teachers to visualise, modify and check the consistency of the scenarios. The evaluation of our model shows that it is capable of describing most of the SGs we targeted, and the first user tests of our authoring tool prototype are also promising.
Mapping of monoclonal antibodies to the Sendai virus P protein and the location of its phosphates

The epitopes of a panel of five monoclonal antibodies to the Sendai virus P protein were mapped by generating modified forms of the P mRNA via SP6 expression followed by in vitro translation. The epitopes were found to be clustered in the C-terminal region of the protein. Two epitopes were within the last 30 residues, two were within the next 65, and one was between residues 308 and 451 of this 568-residue-long protein. By a combination of partial proteolysis and Western immunoblotting with one of these antibodies, the sites at which phosphates are added in vitro by the virion-associated kinase were mapped to the second quarter of the molecule from the N terminus.
The Mandatory Representation of Minority Shareholders on the Board of Directors of Italian Listed Corporations: An Empirical Analysis

At the end of 2005 the Italian legislator modified the rules on the appointment of the members of the board of directors of listed corporations. Now these legal entities are not free to design the appointment strategies of the members of the board, but it is mandatory for listed corporations to reserve at least one seat on this corporate body to persons not appointed by the majority or by the controlling shareholder. In this paper we use some descriptive and regression analyses to investigate the situation of Italian listed corporations before and after the introduction of the mandatory representation of minority shareholders on the board of directors. We analyze data collected on December 31, 2005, few days before the enactment of the reform, and on December 31, 2006, one year after the enactment of the reform and six months before the end of the transitory period. Our goal is to investigate the characteristics of Italian listed corporations that implemented the representation of minority shareholders during the first twelve months of the transitory period that followed the enactment of this reform. In particular, we study the relationship between the appointment on the board of directors of a representative of minority shareholders and the following explanatory variables: the percentage of non-executive members sitting on the board, a dummy variable that indicates whether the corporation examined is included in the S&P Mib Index, another dummy variable that indicates whether the corporation examined is a bank, the capitalization of the corporation, the number of the members of the board of directors and the existence of a single shareholder that owns more than the 50% of the shares of the corporation. We conclude this study discussing the results of these analyses and examining the first reactions of Italian listed corporations to the 2005 reform of corporate governance.