Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aquaporins and Fetal Membranes From Diabetic Parturient Women: Expression Abnormalities and Regulation by Insulin.

CONTEXT During pregnancy, aquaporins (AQPs) expressed in fetal membranes are essential for controlling the homeostasis of the amniotic volume, but their regulation by insulin was never explored in diabetic women. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to investigate the involvement of AQPs 1, 3, 8, and 9 expressed in fetal membranes in diabetic parturient women and the control of their expression by insulin. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS From 129 fetal membranes in four populations (controls, type 1, type 2 [T2D], and gestational diabetes [GD]), we established an expression AQP profile. In a second step, the amnion was used to study the control of the expression and functions of AQPs 3 and 9 by insulin. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The expression of transcripts and proteins of AQPs was studied by quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA. We analyzed the regulation by insulin of the expression of AQPs 3 and 9 in the amnion. A tritiated glycerol test enabled us to measure the impact of insulin on the functional characteristics. Using an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, we analyzed the insulin intracellular signaling pathway. RESULTS The expression of AQP3 protein was significantly weaker in groups T2D and GD. In nondiabetic fetal membranes, we showed for the amnion (but not for the chorion) a significant repression by insulin of the transcriptional expression of AQPs 3 and 9, which was blocked by a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor. CONCLUSION In fetal membranes, the repression of AQP3 protein expression and functions observed in vivo is allowed by the hyperinsulinism described in pregnant women with T2D or GD.
Location of a potassium tellurite resistance operon (tehA tehB) within the terminus of Escherichia coli K-12

A tellurite resistance determinant, believed to have been cloned from the IncHII plasmid pHH1508a (E. G. Walter, J. H. Weiner, and D. E. Taylor, Gene 101:1-7, 1991), was shown instead to have originated from the chromosome of Escherichia coli K-12. The two genes, tehA and tehB, constitute an operon located in the terminus at approximately 32.3 min.
Investigating Factors Influencing Customer Online Buying Satisfaction In Gauteng, South Africa

Online shopping has increased significantly worldwide in the last few years. South Africa is no exception, but although this country has experienced an increase in online shopping, it seems to lag behind the rest of the world where this development is concerned. Research into the factors which influence customer online shopping satisfaction is thus imperative in order for South African retailers to develop the correct strategies for online sales. With this information, they can convert potential customers into real customers and retain them. This research investigates the factors which influence customer online buying satisfaction in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The researcher made use of secondary research to construct a model of factors influencing online customer satisfaction and then tested the model among South Africans living in the Gauteng province. A sample of 111 online shoppers was used and quantitative research was conducted by means of a structured questionnaire. It was found that convenience, delivery, and time saving were viewed by customers as the most important reasons for buying online, while branding was viewed as the least important factor. The research results confirmed the model developed by the researcher. Results of the study, as well as recommendations for future research, are presented.
Bank Capital Requirement, Managerial Self-Interest and Risk Taking: Evidence from Indonesian Banks

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between capital ratios, inefficiency and risk taking in banking. We consider that inefficiency is due to governance problems originated from the presence of self-interested managers. To our knowledge such problems have never been taken into consideration in the empirical literature on the link between bank capital regulation and risk. Using a GMM estimation applied to monthly data over the period 2004-2007 for 99 Indonesian commercial banks, we find that a higher capital ratio is associated with an increase in inefficiency and a decrease in risk and profitability. Managers might be driving banks to become safer but less profitable since more risky but also more profitable loans could be bypassed. Moreover, we denote that domestic private-owned banks are more likely to suffer from a managerial self-interest problem than state-owned banks, joint-venture banks, and foreign-owned banks. Our findings support the call for the implementation of the ownership consolidation policy to enhance shareholders’ domination in Indonesian banks, notably in private-owned banks.
TOURISM DESTINATION GOVERNANCE V KONTEXTU TEORETICKÝCH POZNATKn TOURISM DESTINATION GOVERNANCE IN THE THEORETICAL CONTEXT

Anotace Problematika tourism destination governance (vládnutí turistické destinaci) je v zahraničí aktuálním tématem a stává se předmětem řady výzkumů. Koncept tourism destination governance v zásadě rozšiřuje teorii destinačního managementu (Bieger, 1996; Bratl a Schmidt, 1998; Ritchie a Crouch, 2003, Holešinská, 2012), jehož podstatou je spolupráce a vztahy (vazby) mezi aktéry cestovního ruchu, které jsou zkoumány pomocí teorií interorganizačních sítí (Alter a Hage, 1993). Teorie sítí však nejsou schopny detailně zachytit povahu a zdroje vzájemných interakcí, a proto se středem zájmu stává koncept destination governance využívající teorie corporate governance (Beritelli, Bieger a Laesser, 2007; Nordin a Svensson, 2007; Baggio, Scott a Cooper, 2010; Pechlaner, Volgger a Herntrei, 2012). Příspěvek předkládá především zahraniční teoretické poznatky a přístupy k problematice tourism destination governance a shrnuje metody používané touto teorií. Koncept tourism destination governance je současné dán do kontextu s institucionálními směry teorie regionálního rozvoje.
Neuromyelitis optica IgG stimulates an immunological response in rat astrocyte cultures

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a primary astrocyte disease associated with central nervous system inflammation, demyelination, and tissue injury. Brain lesions are frequently observed in regions enriched in expression of the aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) water channel, an antigenic target of the NMO IgG serologic marker. Based on observations of disease reversibility and careful characterization of NMO lesion development, we propose that the NMO IgG may induce a dynamic immunological response in astrocytes. Using primary rat astrocyte‐enriched cultures and treatment with NMO patient‐derived serum or purified IgG, we observed a robust pattern of gene expression changes consistent with the induction of a reactive and inflammatory phenotype in astrocytes. The reactive astrocyte factor lipocalin‐2 and a broad spectrum of chemokines, cytokines, and stress response factors were induced by either NMO patient serum or purified IgG. Treatment with IgG from healthy controls had no effect. The effect is disease‐specific, as serum from patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, Sjögren's, or systemic lupus erythematosus did not induce a response in the cultures. We hypothesize that binding of the NMO IgG to AQP4 induces a cellular response that results in transcriptional and translational events within the astrocyte that are consistent with a reactive and inflammatory phenotype. Strategies aimed at reducing the inflammatory response of astrocytes may short circuit an amplification loop associated with NMO lesion development. GLIA 2014;62:692–708
Performance Analysis of Coded Cooperation Based on Distributed Turbo Codes with Multiple Relays

—Diversity is an effective technique to enhance link quality and enable multiple users to pool their resources to form a virtual antenna array that obtains spatial diversity. In this paper, we propose a generalized Distributed Turbo Codes (DTC)-based coded cooperation protocol for two-hop relay networks with an arbitrary number of relays. This scheme aims at achieving improved diversity over the classical coded cooperation method in Rayleigh fading channels. We derive a finite range single integral solution for the outage probability, which characterizes the coded performance with multiple relays at various rates. We also develop a closed-form expression for the Pairwise Error Probability (PEP) and a tight upper bound for the Bit Error Rate (BER) using DTC. The results demonstrate the merits of DTC-based coded cooperation with multiple relays, under various relay and uplink channel conditions, and show that the proposed scheme is able to achieve the full diversity order. Moreover, the analytical upper bounds are validated with simulation results.
The genesis and evolution of CSR self-regulation with special refer-ence to the case of financial institutions

The paper creates a background for the analysis of the prerequisites of a sustainable finan-cial institution, whose activity is fully consistent with the requirements of sustainable devel-opment and contributes to its implementation. The primary aim of the paper is the analysis of CSR self-regulation with special reference to the case of financial institutions. The specif-ic target is the analysis of: * the linkages between global financial crisis and the evolution of CSR issues in financial institutions in the EU, and * CSR self- and formal regulations framework and its re-modelling required to build sus-tainability of financial institutions that would be socially responsible for offered services and conducted operations. In order to achieve these targets, extensive research is undertaken. Characteristics of gene-sis, evolution, and motivation for implementing CSR in financial institutions are described and differences in impact of the financial sector on the real sector of the economy in the analysed EU member states are recognized, as well as impacts and perspectives of CSR self-regulations in the EU member states. Finally, linkages and feedbacks between the global financial crisis and CSR in the financial sector and their consequences are identified. Conducted analysis allows formulating many remarks. Among them, the most important appears to be that the proper regulatory environment is crucial to build sustainability of the financial sector and prevent social externalities of its improper functioning. Public authorities should, on the one hand, regulate and supervise CSR in the financial sector, and, on the other, create favourable conditions for dissemination of social responsibility ideas and con-cepts among financial institutions, supporting the introduction of effective self-regulations.
Applications of Chitin and Its Derivatives in Biological Medicine

Chitin and its derivatives—as a potential resource as well as multiple functional substrates—have generated attractive interest in various fields such as biomedical, pharmaceutical, food and environmental industries, since the first isolation of chitin in 1811. Moreover, chitosan and its chitooligosaccharides (COS) are degraded products of chitin through enzymatic and acidic hydrolysis processes; and COS, in particular, is well suited for potential biological application, due to the biocompatibility and nontoxic nature of chitosan. In this review, we investigate the current bioactivities of chitin derivatives, which are all correlated with their biomedical properties. Several new and cutting edge insights here may provide a molecular basis for the mechanism of chitin, and hence may aid its use for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
Neurochemical architecture of the normal and degenerating rat retina

We used post‐embedding immunocytochemistry to determine the cellular localization of glutamate, γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA), glycine, aspartate, glutamine, arginine, and taurine in the normal and degenerating rat retina. Müller's cell function was also evaluated by determining the uptake and degradation characteristics for glutamate. Immunocytochemical localization of amino acids in adult Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) and control rat retinas were similar with respect to cell classes. Differences in the intensity of labelling for glutamate, aspartate, glutamine, and glycine were observed in several classes of neurons, but the most prominent differences were shown by bipolar cells of the adult RCS rat retina. In addition, glutamine labelling within Müller's cells was higher in the RCS rat than the control. These changes may have occurred because of alterations in the glutamate production or degradation pathways. We tested this hypothesis by determining Müller's cells glutamate uptake and degradation characteristics in adult and postnatal day 16 RCS retinas. High affinity uptake of 3[H]‐glutamate revealed an accumulation of grains over Müller's cell bodies in the adult RCS retina implying glutamate degradation anomalies. We confirmed anomalies in glutamate metabolism in RCS Müller's cells by showing that exogenously applied glutamate was degraded over a longer time course in postnatal day 16 RCS retinas, compared to control retinas. Differences in arginine immunoreactivity in adult and immature RCS retinas conform to the presumed dysfunction of Müller's cells in these degenerating retinas. The anomalies of amino acid localization, uptake and degradation lead us to conclude that Müller's cells in the RCS retina show abnormal function by postnatal day 16; an earlier time to previously reported anatomical and functional changes in this animal model of retinal degeneration. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Automated determination of glycated hemoglobin: Comparative evaluation of five assay systems

We evaluated four newly introduced assays for determination of glycated hemoglobin allowing the processing of large amounts of samples in a clinical routine laboratory. These methods were compared to the Bio‐Rad Diamat system. The investigated methods were the Merck Hitachi L‐9100, a fully automated HPLC analyser, the Abbott IMx glycated hemoglobin ion capture assay, the DAKO HbA1c enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the Boehringer‐Mannheim HbA1c Tinaquant turbidimetric assay. All methods showed generally acceptable precision and good accordance with the Diamat system. Interference study showed influence of anaemia, polycythemia, rheumatoid factor, and chronic hemodialysis on the values of the DAKO ELISA and of anaemia and polycythemia on the values of the Boehringer‐Mannheim Tinaquant assay. All of the investigated methods allow referring of results either as measured or standardised HbA1c values, the latter obtained after calibration with reference to an ion exchange high‐pressure liquid chromatography method. Our data confirm the feasibility of this kind of standardisation of glycated hemoglobin assays, allowing direct comparison of results from various determination methods. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A robust obstacle detection method for robotic vacuum cleaners

Conventional robotic vacuum cleaners (RVCs) with ultrasonic or infrared (IR) sensors present problems in detecting obstacles when they clean the floor in complex situations, for example, under tables or chairs with thin legs. This paper presents a robust obstacle detection (OD) method based on the triangulation principle for RVCs operating in various home environments. The proposed method uses the IR emitter of the RVC to project a horizontal IR beam toward the floor, following which the RVC's wide-angle vision camera captures an image that includes the IR line reflected by the floor or an obstacle. Obstacles are detected by using the image coordinates of the pixels that belong to the IR line in the captured image. Accurate separation of the IR line from the image background is accomplished by defining and minimizing an energy function based on the characteristics of the IR line. The proposed method was tested on the embedded RVC system and was shown capable of achieving OD performance compared with existing methods.
Introduction to special section on greenhouse gases and carbon sequestration in agriculture and forestry.

AGRICULTURAL cropland, forest, rangeland, wetlands, and urban ecosystems have significant potential to offset large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) through improved land management and increased productivity. To fully realize this potential, we must understand how to implement the proper management practices and technologies to mitigate carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4); conduct appropriate national, regional, and local inventories of soil carbon levels; develop sound measurements and monitoring techniques; and apply the appropriate practices and technologies within economic constraints. Considerable research is currently ongoing in these areas and is the subject of this special section.
Towards Intellectual Monism? An Institutional Perspective on Management Accounting Research

Management accounting is widely acknowledged for its diverse and innovative research approaches that contribute to a holistic understanding of management accounting. Nevertheless, the commodification of research is claimed to foster an increasing self-referentiality and narrowness of research approaches. Building on institutional theory and considering that editorial routines are powerful institutions that may shape the research endeavours of management accounting scholars, our paper analyses the composition and academic backgrounds of the editorial staffs of the two leading management accounting journals – Management Accounting Research and the Journal of Management Accounting Research. We argue that these analyses shed light on potentially narrowing research agendas in management accounting and aid the anticipation of potential future developments. Our findings reveal considerable differences concerning the research profiles of the schools that have graduated most of the editorial staff members. Whereas graduates from these influential schools strongly focus on control issues, we identify a diversified set of underlying theoretical and methodological approaches. Based on the assumption that the mind-set of the editorial staff members might have an impact on the type of research accepted for publication, we argue that a broad set of research approaches has a fair chance for publication in the two leading management accounting journals.
Importance of Socialgraphics in Today's Digital Market: An Empirical Study

Internet market is one of the fastest growing markets in today’s competitive world. Offering brands through various online tools especially through various social media tools are very effective. Attracting new customers and retaining old customers have always been a big challenge for the marketers. Internet marketing tools like Google ads, Facebook ads become very much popular and useful for reaching out target prospects to boost sales.This study is an endeavour to study the popular marketing model (i.e., STP model) on online markets and technological advancement of various online marketing tools. Target audience can be reached through social networking site Facebook. This study has proven that customised Facebook ads and Google ads can be the best available solution to reach target audience.
Global vs local brands: how home country bias and price differences impact brand evaluations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to re-conceptualize the distinction between global and local brands, providing a more comprehensive framework, which considers both geographical distribution and ownership. It examines main and interactive effects of consumers’ perceptions of these factors, and studies how ethnocentrism (CET) and price affect brand evaluations, considering a range of price difference thresholds. Design/methodology/approach – A preliminary study (n=243) examined main and interaction effects of brand globalness and ownership on consumers’ brand quality attitudes and purchase intentions in four different product categories. The main study (n=558) further explored brand ownership effects by examining the interaction of CET and price differences. Findings – The preliminary study confirmed the distinctiveness of brand globalness and ownership. Consumers evaluated global (vs non-global) brands more positively, regardless of brand ownership (local vs foreign). The main study found that effec.
Regional Synthesis of Mediterranean Atmospheric Circulation During the Last Glacial Maximum

Atmospheric circulation leaves few direct traces in the geological record, making reconstructions of this crucial element of the climate system inherently difficult. We produced a regional Mediterranean synthesis of paleo-proxy data from the sea surface to alpine altitudes. This provides a detailed observational context for change in the three-dimensional structure of atmospheric circulation between the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ∼23,000 to 19,000 years ago) and the present. The synthesis reveals evidence for frequent cold polar air incursions, topographically channeled into the northwestern Mediterranean. Anomalously steep vertical temperature gradients in the central Mediterranean imply local convective precipitation. We find the LGM patterns to be analogous, though amplified, to previously reconstructed phases of enhanced meridional winter circulation during the Maunder Minimum (the Little Ice Age).
Measuring the Effectiveness of Geographical Diversification

Executive Summary. How many markets does it take to form a geographically well-diversified portfolio? Using a simulated approach, this study investigates the effectiveness of geographic diversification across the metropolitan areas in the United States. Four diversification schemes, the “Mixed MSA,” “Large MSA Only,” “Simultaneous,” and “Large MSA by Property Type,” are analyzed. The effectiveness of diversification is measured by the proportional portfolio risk reduction from the risk of single market. The findings suggest that: (1) it takes a large number of markets to eliminate most of nonsystematic risk in portfolios; (2) diversifying across large MSAs only is much less effective than across all MSAs; and (3) different types of properties exhibit very different risk reduction capability. The study raises the question as to how well-diversified are current institutional portfolios.
The Moral Hazard of Insuring the Insurers

State guaranty funds are quasi-governmental agencies that provide insurance to policyholders against the risk of insurance company failure. But insurance provided by guaranty funds, like all insurance, creates moral hazard problems, especially for companies that are insolvent or near-insolvent. The key insight of this paper is that because of the time lag between premium payments and losses (which is especially lengthy in long-tail lines), writing policies is one way for insurance companies to borrow money (i.e., from policyholders). Moreover, the existence of guaranty fund insurance enables insurance companies, even very risky ones, to borrow from policyholders at rates that do not reflect the insurer's default risk. Thus, one way for insurance companies to game the guaranty fund system is to engage in excessive premium writing. Consistent with this idea, we find that insolvent P&C insurance companies tended to have very high premium growth before they failed. More than one-third of the failed insurance companies had premium growth of more than 50 percent in the two years before failure. Moreover, this excessive premium growth was more pronounced in long-tail lines than in short-tail lines. We also find evidence that greater regulatory resources are associated with less gaming of the system.