Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytokines and immunity to viral infections

In this review, we discuss two broad approaches we have taken to study the role of cytokines and chemokines in antiviral immunity. Firstly, recombinant vaccinia viruses were engineered to exit encoding cytokines and chemokines of interest. Potent antiviral activity was mediated by many of these encoded factors, including IL‐2, IL12. IFN‐γ. TNF‐α. CD40L. Mig and Crg‐2, In some cases, liosi defense mechanisms were induced (IL‐2, IL‐t2. Mig and Crg‐2), whilst for others, a direct antiviral effect was demonstrated (IFN‐γ. TNF‐α and CD40L), In sharp contrast, vector‐directed expression of IL 4, a type 2 factor, greatly increased virus virulence, due 10 a downregulation of host type 1 immune responses. Our second experimental approach involved the use of strains of mice deficient for the production of particular cytokines or their receptors, often in combination with our engineered viruses. Mice deficient in either IFN‐γ, IFN‐γR, IFN‐α/βR, TNFFRs, CD40 or IL‐6 were, in general, highly susceptible to poxvirus infection. Surprisingly, not only the TNFR1, but also the TNFR2, was able to mediate the antiviral effects of TNF‐α in viv, whilst the antiviral activity observed following CD40‐CD40L interaction is a newly defined function which may involve apoptosis of infected cells. Through the use of perforin‐deficient mice, we were able to demonstrate a requirement for this molecule in the clearance of some viruses. such as ectromelia virus, whilst for others, such as vaccinia virus, perforin was less important but IFN‐γ was essential.
Are there social returns to both firm-level and regional human capital? – Evidence from German social security data

This paper provides first evidence on the social returns to education from both firm-level and regional human capital. Using panel data from German social security, both at an individual and aggregated at the plant and regional level, I estimate earnings functions incorporating measures of regional and firm-level human capital while controlling for various types of unobserved heterogeneity, demand shocks, regional physical capital and other regional and firm-level confounders. The results suggest negligibly small external returns to the firm-level shares of high-skilled workers. On the regional level, the results show no support for external returns to education, except for skilled workers.
Engaging employees in China: The impact of communication channels, organizational transparency, and authenticity

Purpose – Academics and professionals across management and communication fields have increasingly recognized significant contributions of engaged employees to organizations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of communication channels, and communication attributes of transparency and authenticity on employee engagement in China. Design/methodology/approach – A web survey was conducted with 407 employees randomly selected from a variety of medium-sized and large corporations in China. Findings – The study results show that face-to-face interactions and social media are the most effective channels in building organizational transparency, authenticity, and engaging employees in China. Organizational transparency and authenticity demonstrate strong positive effects on employee engagement. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Originality/value – This study was among the first empirical attempts to examine the impact of corporate communication channels on employee engagemen.
Piperacillin pharmacokinetics in pediatric patients

The pharmacokinetics of piperacillin were studied in 15 pediatric patients (age range, 3.3 to 14.3 years). Piperacillin was administered in a dosage of 1.5 +/- 0.4 g/m2 (mean +/- standard deviation) every 4 to 6 h. Peak serum concentrations ranged from 69 to 354 micrograms/ml. The mean elimination half-life was 37.0 +/- 13.3 min, which is shorter than that observed in most adults with normal renal function. The mean elimination half-life in three patients with renal impairment was 60.1 +/- 12.4 min, and the mean ratio of renal clearance to total clearance was 0.57. These results suggest a significant nonrenal elimination of piperacillin. Based on these data, a dosage of 1.5 g/m2 given as a 30-min infusion every 4 h is suggested for children with normal renal function. For patients with renal impairment, the daily dosage could be calculated as follows: corrected dose = normal dose x (0.35 + [0.65 x (ClCr/0.06)]), where ClCr is the creatinine clearance expressed as liters per minute per square meter.
Organ-Specific Transcription of Putative Flavonol Synthase Genes of Grapevine and Effects of Plant Hormones and Shading on Flavonol Biosynthesis in Grape Berry Skins

In order to investigate the control mechanism of flavonol biosynthesis of grapevine, we obtained five genomic sequences (FLS1 to FLS5) of putative flavonol synthase genes from Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon. The mRNA of five FLSs accumulated in flower buds and flowers, while the mRNA of FLS2, FLS4, and FLS5 accumulated in small berry skins and then decreased toward veraison. At the ripening stage, the mRNA of only FLS4 and FLS5 accumulated again. This change in mRNA accumulation did not contradict the flavonol accumulation in the berry skins. Shading of the berries completely inhibited the increase in flavonol content and mRNA accumulation of FLS4, but did not affect the mRNA accumulation of FLS5. The effects of light and plant hormones on flavonol accumulation were different from those on anthocyanin accumulation. Thus flavonol biosynthesis appears to be under a different control system from that of anthocyanin biosynthesis.
What Does Really Matter in the Internationalization of Small and Medium‐Sized Family Businesses?

Internationalization of family businesses is often considered a way to revitalize both the family and the business. However, the debate on its challenges and constraints is still inconclusive. This study explores whether incoming generations' involvement impacts the decision to exploit and explore international opportunities and to what extent altruism and competence‐based trust mediate that relationship. Three propositions are formulated drawing from international entrepreneurship literature and stewardship theory. To validate this framework, a multiple case study on four Italian family firms has been conducted. Implications for theory and practice are finally discussed.
University of Birmingham Parameter estimation for binary neutron-star coalescences with realistic noise during the advanced ligo era

Advanced ground-based gravitational-wave (GW) detectors begin operation imminently. Their intended goal is not only to make the first direct detection of GWs, but also to make inferences about the source systems. Binary neutron-star mergers are among the most promising sources. We investigate the performance of the parameterestimation (PE) pipeline that will be used during the first observing run of the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (aLIGO) in 2015: we concentrate on the ability to reconstruct the source location on the sky, but also consider the ability to measure masses and the distance. Accurate, rapid sky localization is necessary to alert electromagnetic (EM) observatories so that they can perform follow-up searches for counterpart transient events. We consider PE accuracy in the presence of non-stationary, non-Gaussian noise. We find that the character of the noise makes negligible difference to the PE performance at a given signal-to-noise ratio. The source luminosity distance can only be poorly constrained, since the median 90% (50%) credible interval scaled with respect to the true distance is 0.85 (0.38). However, the chirp mass is well measured. Our chirp-mass estimates are subject to systematic error because we used gravitational-waveform templates without component spin to carry out inference on signals with moderate spins, but the total error is typically less than  M 10 3 . The median 90% (50%) credible region for sky localization is ~600 deg2 (~150 deg2), with 3% (30%) of detected events localized within 100 deg . 2 Early aLIGO, with only two detectors, will have a sky-localization accuracy for binary neutron stars of hundreds of square degrees; this makes EM follow-up challenging, but not impossible.
Improved Color Mapping Methods for Multiband Nighttime Image Fusion

Previously, we presented two color mapping methods for the application of daytime colors to fused nighttime (e.g., intensified and longwave infrared or thermal (LWIR)) imagery. These mappings not only impart a natural daylight color appearance to multiband nighttime images but also enhance their contrast and the visibility of otherwise obscured details. As a result, it has been shown that these colorizing methods lead to an increased ease of interpretation, better discrimination and identification of materials, faster reaction times and ultimately improved situational awareness. A crucial step in the proposed coloring process is the choice of a suitable color mapping scheme. When both daytime color images and multiband sensor images of the same scene are available, the color mapping can be derived from matching image samples (i.e., by relating color values to sensor output signal intensities in a sample-based approach). When no exact matching reference images are available, the color transformation can be derived from the first-order statistical properties of the reference image and the multiband sensor image. In the current study, we investigated new color fusion schemes that combine the advantages of both methods (i.e., the efficiency and color constancy of the sample-based method with the ability of the statistical method to use the image of a different but somewhat similar scene as a reference image), using the correspondence between multiband sensor values and daytime colors (sample-based method) in a smooth transformation (statistical method). We designed and evaluated three new fusion schemes that focus on (i) a closer match with the daytime luminances; (ii) an improved saliency of hot targets; and (iii) an improved discriminability of materials. We performed both qualitative and quantitative analyses to assess the weak and strong points of all methods.
ON THE STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF SOME SMALL, UK‐BASED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FIRMS*

The paper reports on the discovery of some small but successful information technology firms. These firms, which are geographically and structurally highly mobile, were found in a recent survey of information technology firms in the north‐west of England. Detailed investigation of the firms as case studies, revealed that they have many distinctive and interesting properties. Eleven distinguishing characteristics in addition to small size are identified; among them being lack of hierarchy, pervious boundaries, and extreme mobility including growth by replication. In the discussion, some differences in the organization of the firms are identified, it being argued that although all the firms lack hierarchy and tend to adopt very extreme forms of matrix organization, they do this to a greater degree the less they are dependent on technology for the creation of their products, and/or on the extent to which they retain proprietary products in their range. the paper concludes with a consideration of other work on new technology firms and argues that these findings are not unique. However, it is also argued that small firm researchers have not been very creative in their use of the available frameworks to account for the existence of the firms analysed in this paper, or to understand that it is the contingencies they face which allow them to be highly mobile and adaptable.
Offshore Banking and Economic Growth: A Cross-Country Analysis

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of an offshore banking sector on economic growth. For this purpose, we specified a growth equation for the 41 countries that report their external positions to the Bank for International Settlements and evaluated how the size of an offshore banking sector, measured by external assets or liabilities contributed to the countries' per capita income growth. The distinctive features of this paper are that compared to previous studies, we used more comprehensive data and more flexible empirical specifications to investigate the effects of offshore banking. We find that the size of an offshore banking sector and economic growth have a nonlinear relationship, and the growth effect tends to increase as the scale of offshore banking increases.
Climate resilience in fragile and conflict-affected societies: concepts and approaches

To understand resilience to climate and environmental changes in fragile and conflict-affected societies is particularly important but equally challenging. In this paper, we first develop a conceptual framework to explore the climate-fragility-conflict and climate-resilience-peace nexus. Second, we discuss approaches to promote pathways from climatic changes to peace. We draw on the relevant literature and International Alert's experience in fragile and conflict-affected societies to stress the key role of resilience. To build resilience, climate, development, peacebuilding, and government actors would have to overcome bureaucratic and institutional barriers and cooperate across thematic and regional silos.
Comparing counseling and dignity therapies in home care patients: A pilot study

Abstract Objective: Several studies have successfully tested psychosocial interventions in palliative care patients. Counseling is the technique most often employed. Dignity therapy (DT) has recently emerged as a tool that can be utilized to address patients' needs at the end of life. The aims of our study were to examine the effects of DT and counseling and to offer useful information that could be put into practice to better meet patients' needs. Method: We developed a pilot randomized controlled trial at the Home Care Unit of the General University Hospital of Valencia (Spain). Some 70 patients were assigned to two therapy groups. The measurement instruments employed included the Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), the GES Questionnaire, the Duke–UNC-11 Functional Social Support Questionnaire, and two items from the EORTC Quality of Life C30 Questionnaire (EORTC–QLQ–C30). Results: The results of repeated-measures t tests showed statistically significant differences with respect to the dimensions of dignity, anxiety, spirituality, and quality of life for both groups. However, depression increased in the DT group after the intervention, and there were no differences with respect to resilience. Therapy in the counseling group did not negatively affect depression, and resilience did improve. When post-intervention differences between groups were calculated, statistically significant differences in anxiety were found, with lower scores in the counseling group (t(68) = –2.341, p = 0.022, d = 0.560). Significance of Results: Our study provided evidence for the efficacy of dignity therapy and counseling in improving the well-being of palliative home care patients, and it found better results in the counseling therapy group with respect to depression, resilience, and anxiety.
Randomized comparison of conventional carbon dioxide insufflation and abdominal wall lifting for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND Gasless laparoscopy using abdominal wall lifting (AWL) has been developed in an attempt to avoid the adverse effects of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum that may occur in conventional laparoscopy. However, lifting has been criticized for its poor operative space and surgical invasiveness. This study compared the AWL method with conventional CO2 pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with respect to operation performance, postoperative course, and stress response. PATIENTS AND METHODS During a 6-month period, 95 patients with symptomatic gallstones were randomly assigned to receive laparoscopic cholecystectomy with conventional CO2 pneumoperitoneum (CO2 group; N = 47) or the AWL method (AWL group; N = 48). Operative results and operative time were recorded. Cardiopulmonary functions were assessed, and arterial blood gases were analyzed during surgery. Urinary cortisol, vanillylmandelic acid, metanephrines, and nitrogen loss; serum complement 3, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6; postoperative pain; and the presence of nausea and vomiting were assessed for 48 hours after surgery. Postoperative time to recovery of flatus, tolerance of a full oral diet, and full activity were also determined. RESULTS Only three significant differences were found. First, intraoperative ventilatory function deteriorated significantly less in the AWL group. Second, arterial blood gas determinations and capnography showed a greater decrease in intraoperative arterial pH and compliance with CO2 retention and an increase in peak airway pressure in the CO2 group (P < 0.05), reflecting poorer ventilatory performance. Third, preparation time and total operating time were significantly greater with the AWL method (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Although AWL required a longer operation time, our results suggest that the technique may still have value in high-risk patients with cardiorespiratory diseases.
Admission scores as a predictor of academic success in the Fiji School of Medicine

Secondary education in Fiji ends with the Form 7 examination. Predictive validity for academic success of Form 7 scores which form the basis for admission into the Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery programme of the Fiji School of Medicine was examined via a cohort of 129 students. Success rates for year 1 in 2008, 2009, and 2010 were 90.7 per cent, 86.5 per cent, and 83.5 per cent, respectively. Year 1 scores were positively correlated with Form 7 scores with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.7535 in 2008 (P < 0.0001), 0.4866 in 2009 (P = 0.0023), and 0.4986 in 2010 (P = 0.0003). Similar correlations occurred between Form 7 scores and years 2 and 3 results in 2008, but no correlation was found with year 2 results in 2009. These findings show that Form 7 scores strongly predicted academic success in the School, providing support for its continued use. However, supplementary assessments may be required.
Compliance and value relevance of audit committees: evidence from Hong Kong

Purpose - Audit committees (ACs) have been perceived as an important means of corporate governance, safeguarding the interests of shareholders by monitoring internal control and risk management. This study aims to examine specific structural and operational characteristics of ACs for firms in Hong Kong, where regulators have strived to adhere to international compliance standards. Design/methodology/approach - This study is based on a cross-sectional examination of disclosures on ACs by 223 listed companies in Hong Kong. Findings - The independence and financial expertise of AC members do not enhance the value of the respective firms, despite maintaining satisfactory compliance. The discrepancy in the value relevance of ACs in prior studies is explained by the possible inadequacy of the resources available to ACs. Research limitations/implications - The data in this study are entirely from secondary sources of disclosures by listed companies for the year immediately following the implementation of the code of best practices of corporate governance. No in-depth case studies are supplemented. Practical implications - A key implication of this study to the regulators is that the proper allocation of resources to an AC should be considered beyond the independence and financial expertise of AC members to ensure the effectiveness of an AC. Originality/value - This paper is an empirical study about the practices and compliance of ACs among listed companies in a global financial centre.
Capital Structure Decisions: Evidence from Deregulated Industries

Deregulation significantly affects the firms' operating environment and leverage decisions. Firms experience a significant decline in profitability, asset tangibility and a significant increase in growth opportunities following deregulation. Firms respond by reducing leverage. Deregulation also significantly affects the cross-sectional relation between leverage and its determinants. Leverage is much less negatively correlated with profitability and market-to-book and much more positively (negatively) correlated with firm size (earnings volatility) following deregulation. These results are consistent with the dynamic tradeoff theory of capital structure. Also consistent with the dynamic tradeoff theory, those firms that are more likely to be above their target capital structure issue significantly more equity in the first few years following deregulation.
Data driven modeling of co‐movement among international stock market

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to research the correlation using artificial intelligent tools among international stock markets issuing for the companies.Design/methodology/approach – The objective is to find out the correlation among markets so it can be used for trend prediction. The stock price data from various companies that have issued stock in different countries were used to produce analysis for predictive purposes. Various artificial intelligent tools were used and the predictive performance among them compared.Findings – The finding is that the predictive results when using one market to predict another is above 50 percent and higher, which is much better than random walk.Research limitations/implications – The limitations are that only the raw market data are worked on, but there are many factors that could affect the short‐term trend of a stock.Practical implications – This could benefit traders who are interested in trading international issuing stock by taking advantage of markets' diffe.
Firms’ Transfer Strategies with Universities and the Relationship with Firms’ Innovation Performance

Based on a representative sample of Swiss firms we empirically investigated strategies for knowledge and technology transfer (KTT) activities between business firms and universities as well as other public research institutions. Based on a cluster analysis of 19 different forms for KTT, three types of KTT strategies were identified. They were significantly correlated mainly to (i) the absorptive capacity of a firm, (ii) several factors hampering KTT activities, and (iii) some characteristics of the transfer process such as the number of partners, the existence of contacts to foreign universities and the utilization of the mediating services of transfer offices. Furthermore, it was found that KTT strategies related to the "core" transfer activities such as R&D contracts are stronger correlated with innovation performance compared to strategies related to "softer" transfer forms. Copyright 2009 The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Associazione ICC. All rights reserved. , Oxford University Press.