Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Will diminishing cochlear delay affect speech perception in noise?

Abstract Objective: Normal auditory systems appear well habituated to time/phase delays inherent to sound encoding along the hearing organ, sending frequency information non-simultaneously to the central auditory system. Eliminating, or simply perturbing, the cochlear delay might be expected to decrease speech recognition ability, especially under demanding listening conditions. Resources of a larger-scale investigation permitted a preliminary examination of this issue, particularly on a relevant timescale of empirically demonstrated cochlear delays. Design: In a randomized controlled trial study, word recognition was tested for mono-syllabic tokens treated digitally to exacerbate, if not diminish/nullify, such delays. Speech-weighted noise was used to interfere with listening to time-frequency reversed (nominally no delay) versus non-reversed (natural timing) transforms under three treatments of speech tokens: (1) original-digitally recorded; digitally processed to emphasize (2) transient versus (3) quasi-steady-state components. Study sample: Ten normal-hearing young-adult females. Results: The findings failed to demonstrate statistically significant differences between delay conditions for any of the three speech-token treatments. Conclusions: An algorithm putatively diminishing frequency-dependent cochlear delays failed to systematically deteriorate performance in all subjects for the fixed time-frequency transform, stimulus parameters, and test materials employed. Yet, trends were evident such that some effect of perturbing cochlear delays could not be ruled out completely.
Creating Knowledge through Collaboration

Although many firms enter strategic alliances with specific learning objectives, these objectives are often not realized. Drawing on a study of North American-Japanese joint ventures, this article analyzes the question of why some firms are more effective than others at exploiting alliance learning opportunities and develops a framework for alliance learning. The framework incorporates knowledge management processes—a set of organizational actions that establish the basis for accessing and exploiting alliance knowledge—and facilitating faaors—the conditions that promote a favorable climate for effective alliance knowledge management. The primary obstacle to successfully learning from alliances is a failure to execute the specifie organizational processes necessary to access, assimilate, and disseminate alliance knowledge.
Evaluation of Protein Ubiquitylation in Heart Tissue of Rats Exposed to Diazinon (an Organophosphate Insecticide) and Crocin (an Active Saffron Ingredient): Role of HIF-1α

Abstract Introduction: Organophosphate compounds, such as diazinon (DZN), are widely used in agriculture and can lead to formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiovascular system. ROS are highly toxic since they can cause serious changes in proteins including ubiquitylation. Crocin (a carotenoid isolated from saffron), has protective effects against DZN cardiotoxicity. In this study level of total protein ubiquitylation as markers of oxidative stress and level of ubiquitin-HIF-1α and P53, known substrates of ubiquitylation, in rat hearts exposed to DZN and crocin were evaluated. Methods: Rats were divided into 7 groups: corn oil (control), DZN (15 mg/kg/day, gavage), crocin (12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg/day, i. p.) plus DZN, vitamin E (200 IU/kg, i. p., 3 days a week) plus DZN and crocin (50 mg/kg/day, i. p.). Treatments were continued for 4 weeks. Total protein ubiquitylation, total HIF-1α and P53 were analyzed by western blotting. Total HIF-1α and P53 were purified by immunoprecipitation (IP) and ubiquitin- HIF-1α and P53 were analyzed by western blotting. Results: Higher protein ubiquitylation levels were observed in DZN treated rats. Decrease in ubiquitin-HIF-1α was also shown, and leads to higher HIF-1α protein levels in DZN group. Crocin (50 mg/kg) and vit. E protected cells against DZN protein ubiquitylation. Significant differences were not observed between the ubiquitin – P53 and total P53 protein levels. Conclusion: Our results showed that ubiquitylation could be considered as a marker of oxidative stress in rats exposed to DZN. Increase in level of HIF-α may compensate adverse effect of DNZ in rat heart.
The Impact of Health on Job Mobility: A Measure of Job Lock

The author analyzes data from the National Medical Expenditure Survey of 1987 to measure the importance of “job lock”—the reduction in job mobility due to the non-portability of employer-provided health insurance. Refining the approach commonly used by other researchers investigating the same question, the author finds insignificant estimates of job lock; moreover, the confidence intervals of these estimates exclude large levels of job lock. A replication of an influential previous study that used the same data source shows large and significant job lock, as did that study, but when methodological problems are corrected and improved data are used to construct the job lock variables, job lock is found to be small and statistically insignificant.
Impact of preirradiation of the tumour bed on cell production rate and cell loss of human FaDu squamous cell carcinoma growing in nude mice.

PURPOSE To explore whether the tumour bed effect (TBE) in FaDu squamous cell carcinoma growing in nude mice is caused by a reduced tumour cell production rate and/or by increased tumour cell loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human FaDu tumours were studied in NMRI nude mice. The volume doubling time (VDT) between 100 and 400 mm3 was determined for tumours in unirradiated subcutaneous (sc) tissues (group 1), tumours in sc tissues preirradiated with 12.5 Gy (group 2), tumours irradiated in situ with 12.5 Gy (group 3), and tumours from group 3 re-transplanted into unirradiated sc tissues (group 4). Labelling index (LI), potential doubling time (Tpot), relative necrotic area and apoptotic index (AI) were evaluated in tumours from groups 1 and 2. RESULTS The median VDT were 2.6 days (95% CI 2-4) in group 1 and 7.0 days (4-15) in group 2 (p<0.001). The VDT were not significantly different between groups 2 and 3, and group 1 and 4. In groups 1 and 2, the Tpot values (3.1 +/- 0.6 days (SD) versus 2.9 +/- 0.5 days) and the LI were identical (10 +/- 1.5%). The median relative necrotic area was significantly larger in group 2 (37% [23-42]) compared with group (6% [0.3-27]). The apoptotic index was low (0.2%) and did not differ between groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the TBE in FaDu squamous cell carcinoma is not caused by a reduced cell production rate in the viable tumour compartment. Rather, the TBE reflects a decreased viable tumour cell compartment due to increased cell loss. Necrosis appears to be the major component of the tumour bed induced cell loss in FaDu tumours, whereas apoptosis has no impact on the TBE in this model.
Knowledge-Intensive Business Services (KIBS) Use and User Innovation: High-Order Services, Geographic Hierarchies and Internet Use in Quebec's Manufacturing Sector

Shearmur R. and Doloreux D. Knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) use and user innovation: high-order services, geographic hierarchies and internet use in Quebec's manufacturing sector, Regional Studies. Geographic proximity between users and suppliers of knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) provides no advantage in terms of innovation performance. This paper first establishes that it is those KIBS most closely associated with innovation that exhibit the highest mean distance to their users. It then shows that there is no connection between distance to KIBS suppliers and propensity to innovate. These results point to a Christallerian logic whereby innovators seek out KIBS (irrespective of distance), but whereby mean distances tend to be greater between users and innovation-related KIBS suppliers (located in central places), reflecting the different geographies of manufacturing users and service suppliers.
A design of tunable UWB filters

A novel design method is proposed for UWB filters using a ring resonator structure with a stub. A five stage UWB filter with 86.6% relative bandwidth is fabricated based on a design method which shows an excellent performance, i.e. low insertion loss of 0.58 dB and flat group delay of 1.6 nsec. We also extend the design method to the one for a wide range tunable filter. Simulated results show that more than 40% tunable range can be obtained with a single capacitor for each ring resonator.
Nurses' knowledge of current guidelines for infant feeding and weaning.

BACKGROUND Poor infant feeding practices are common causes of nonorganic failure to thrive and may exacerbate the effects of many chronic conditions. It is important therefore that parents receive correct and consistent feeding advice from health professionals. The aim of this study was to determine whether hospital paediatric nursing staff are familiar with the recommendations of the Department of Health (DOH) Weaning Report (DOH, 1994). METHODS A total of 127 members of nursing staff (79%) at Derbyshire Children's Hospital were interviewed. Knowledge of recommended practices for the introduction and use of cow's milk, gluten, milk products, mashed foods, vitamin supplements and drinks was assessed. RESULTS Overall, 42 people (33%) answered all questions correctly. In each clinical area, six outpatient (64%), 19 special care baby unit (61%) and 17 ward (20%) staff provided correct answers to all questions. No significant difference was found between staff at each grade in the number of questions answered correctly. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of national infant feeding and weaning guidelines was limited suggesting that DOH recommendations are not widely understood or recognized. Further nutrition education and local dissemination of information is required if nurses are to continue to advise parents on aspects of infant feeding.
BASOPHIL ACTIVATION IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF LIFE-THREATENING HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTION TO IODINATED CONTRAST MEDIA: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Hypersensitivity to iodinated radiologic contrast media occurs in 1-3% of patients. A complete allergological work-up requires the identification of the pathogenetic mechanism as well as the identification of safe alternatives. The current diagnostic approach relies upon skin tests, since no other in vitro test is standardized. However skin tests do not have an absolute predictive value, cannot be executed immediately and may expose the patients to the risk of severe reactions. Recently the flow-cytometric evaluation of activated basophils, also known as basophil activation test (BAT) has been introduced. Our case report of a 28-year old female who experienced an anaphylactic shock immediately after administration of iomeprol supports the role of BAT in the diagnosis and management of hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media. The possibility of shortening the diagnostic work-up without endangering the health of patients represents the main advantage of this test.
Food security and human rights in Indonesia

Food is crucial to an adequate standard of living. The acknowledgement of the right to food in government policies is fundamental to the protection of human dignity, particularly in relation to food insecurity. It allows the right-holder to seek redress and hold government accountable for non-fulfilment. With reference to Indonesia, the article highlights deficits in meeting obligations to the right to food as stipulated in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The state links food policy to the issue of national stability, with a resulting focus on the national rather than household or individual levels, and the inhibition at the grassroots of the right to food.
What do Norwegians think of US lodging services

This research is to explore Norwegians’ image of US lodging facilities with a two‐stage perceptual survey of Norwegian residents. Focus group surveys are first conducted to determine the important attributes delineating Norwegians’ perceptions of US lodging facilities. Subsequently, a questionnaire containing the important perceptual attributes, along with socio‐demographic measurement and preference attributes, is developed and used in the on‐site survey. The 169 questionnaires collected in the surveys reveal that skilled employees, safety, friendly employees, and in‐room facilities are the important attributes determining Norwegians’ perceptions of overall service quality of US hotels/motels. Consequently, marketing implications and suggestions for future studies are provided.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Glycoprotein G-Negative Clinical Isolates Are Generated by Single Frameshift Mutations

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus (HSV) codes for several envelope glycoproteins, including glycoprotein G-2 (gG-2) of HSV type 2 (HSV-2), which are dispensable for replication in cell culture. However, clinical isolates which are deficient in such proteins occur rarely. We describe here five clinical HSV-2 isolates which were found to be unreactive to a panel of anti-gG-2 monoclonal antibodies and therefore considered phenotypically gG-2 negative. These isolates were further examined for expression of the secreted amino-terminal and cell-associated carboxy-terminal portions of gG-2 by immunoblotting and radioimmunoprecipitation. The gG-2 gene was completely inactivated in four isolates, with no expression of the two protein products. For one isolate a normally produced secreted portion and a truncated carboxy-terminal portion of gG-2 were detected in virus-infected cell medium. Sequencing of the complete gG-2 gene identified a single insertion or deletion of guanine or cytosine nucleotides in all five strains, resulting in a premature termination codon. The frameshift mutations were localized within runs of five or more guanine or cytosine nucleotides and were dispersed throughout the gene. For the isolate for which a partially inactivated gG-2 gene was detected, the frameshift mutation was localized upstream of but adjacent to the nucleotides coding for the transmembranous region. Thus, this study demonstrates the existence of clinical HSV-2 isolates which do not express an envelope glycoprotein and identifies the underlying molecular mechanism to be a single frameshift mutation.
Tourism as an Economic Growth Factor: A Case Study for Southern European Countries

This paper examines the importance of tourism as a conditioning factor for improving the host population's standard of living. In so doing, the well-known conditional convergence approach of Barro and Sala-i-Martin is used to test for convergence in per capita income among four Southern European countries (Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain), each with a long tradition as a tourist destination. The empirical analysis uses panel data techniques to estimate growth equations, combining time-series and cross-sectional data for the four countries, from 1990 to 2004. The results indicate that tourism contributes significantly to the improvement of the standard of living in these countries and acts as a factor of convergence.
Promoting Corporate Responsibility in Private Banking

In recent years, the fight against money laundering has emerged as a key issue of financial regulation. The Wolfsberg Group is an important multistakeholder agreement establishing corporate responsibility (CR) principles against money laundering in a domain where international coordination remains otherwise difficult. The fact that 10 out of the 25 top private banking institutions joined this initiative opens up an interesting puzzle concerning the conditions for the participation of key industry players in the Wolfsberg Group. The article presents a fuzzy-set analysis of seven hypotheses based on firm-level organizational factors, the macro-institutional context, and the regulatory framework. Results from the analysis of these 25 financial institutions show that public ownership of the bank and the existence of a code of conduct are necessary conditions for participation in the Wolfsberg Group, whereas factors related to the type of financial institution, combined with the existence of a black list, are sufficient for explaining participation.
The intended and unintended effects of the Bologna reforms

Bologna reform eulogies and protests tend to focus on the benefits and shortcomings of the new two-tier curricula, their implementation and orientation. In this article, an assessment of the Bologna reforms is made in terms of their larger and less widely discussed systemic and institutional effects - which go far beyond the original reformers’ intentions. Apart from the introduction of new degree structures, the two Bologna reform dimensions which have been most readily adopted and dynamically implemented are the overhaul of Europe’s quality assurance system and the recent reforms of doctoral education. In contrast, the visionary goals of using learning outcomes and competencies as the structuring principle of all curricula in order to ensure greater transparency and reliability, and of promoting student-centred learning, have only been adopted by few countries and institutions. However, the Bologna reforms have also had a range of unintended effects on systems and institutions that often go unnoticed when discussing their impact on European higher education. These include redefining the relationship between institutional profiles, strengthening central institutional leadership and mobilising horizontal communication within institutions. Sybille Reichert, Reichert Consulting: Policy and Strategy Development in Higher Education, Switzerland
Corruption, Norms, and Legal Enforcement: Evidence from Diplomatic Parking Tickets

We study cultural norms and legal enforcement in controlling corruption by analyzing the parking behavior of United Nations officials in Manhattan. Until 2002, diplomatic immunity protected UN diplomats from parking enforcement actions, so diplomats’ actions were constrained by cultural norms alone. We find a strong effect of corruption norms: diplomats from high‐corruption countries (on the basis of existing survey‐based indices) accumulated significantly more unpaid parking violations. In 2002, enforcement authorities acquired the right to confiscate diplomatic license plates of violators. Unpaid violations dropped sharply in response. Cultural norms and (particularly in this context) legal enforcement are both important determinants of corruption.
Prospect Theory and Mean-Variance Analysis

The experimental results of prospect theory (PT) reveal suggest that investors make decisions based on change of wealth rather than total wealth, that preferences are S-shaped with a risk-seeking segment, and that probabilities are subjectively distorted. This article shows that while PT's findings are in sharp contradiction to the foundations of mean-variance (MV) analysis, counterintuitively, when diversification between assets is allowed, the MV and PT-efficient sets almost coincide. Thus one can employ the MV optimization algorithm to construct PT-efficient portfolios. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
Revised geochronology, correlation, and dinosaur stratigraphic ranges of the Santonian-Maastrichtian (Late Cretaceous) formations of the Western Interior of North America

Interbasinal stratigraphic correlation provides the foundation for all consequent continental-scale geological and paleontological analyses. Correlation requires synthesis of lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic and geochronologic data, and must be periodically updated to accord with advances in dating techniques, changing standards for radiometric dates, new stratigraphic concepts, hypotheses, fossil specimens, and field data. Outdated or incorrect correlation exposes geological and paleontological analyses to potential error. The current work presents a high-resolution stratigraphic chart for terrestrial Late Cretaceous units of North America, combining published chronostratigraphic, lithostratigraphic, and biostratigraphic data. 40Ar / 39Ar radiometric dates are newly recalibrated to both current standard and decay constant pairings. Revisions to the stratigraphic placement of most units are slight, but important changes are made to the proposed correlations of the Aguja and Javelina formations, Texas, and recalibration corrections in particular affect the relative age positions of the Belly River Group, Alberta; Judith River Formation, Montana; Kaiparowits Formation, Utah; and Fruitland and Kirtland formations, New Mexico. The stratigraphic ranges of selected clades of dinosaur species are plotted on the chronostratigraphic framework, with some clades comprising short-duration species that do not overlap stratigraphically with preceding or succeeding forms. This is the expected pattern that is produced by an anagenetic mode of evolution, suggesting that true branching (speciation) events were rare and may have geographic significance. The recent hypothesis of intracontinental latitudinal provinciality of dinosaurs is shown to be affected by previous stratigraphic miscorrelation. Rapid stepwise acquisition of display characters in many dinosaur clades, in particular chasmosaurine ceratopsids, suggests that they may be useful for high resolution biostratigraphy.
... Of the Fittest? Duration of Survival of Manufacturing Establishments in a Developing Country

Over half the establishments for which reasonably complete data were collected in the 1975 Indonesian Medium and Large Scale Manufacturing Survey did not survive until the 1986 Survey. This paper explores what observed characteristics of these establishments in 1975 predict the duration of survival over the 1975-85 period. Two-limit Tobit estimates of the years surveyed indicate that the establishments with higher survival durations were typically older and larger; were located in more concentrated industries; and had larger foreign shares, proportionately fewer family workers, a larger share of their electricity own-produced, and a higher ratio of gifts and donations to value added. Copyright 1989 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.