Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Academic Entrepreneurship: University Spinoffs and Wealth Creation

The formation of university spinoff companies is described, and their role in the commercialization of university technology and wealth creation in the United States and else where is investigated. Why university spinoffs are a subject of importance in scholarly investigation is explained, as well as the historical development of university spin off activity. The factors of the university and societal environment, the nature of technology, the industries in which spinoffs occur, and the people involved inthe spinoff process that influence those activities are described. Also, thespinoff creation process and the development of university technology into new products and services, the identification and exploitation of markets for new products and services, and the acquisition of financial resources for the new organizations that exploit these new technologies are described. Factors that enhance the performance of university spinoffs are also examined in the hope of differentiating successful and unsuccessful companies. Finally, the effects of the spinoffs on the universities that created the mare examined. All these goals are achieved in this investigation by providing conceptual arguments, reviewing existing work by academic researchers and informed observers, and offering primary data collected from original studies of spinoffs from U.S. academic institutions. (JSD)
Density estimates of monarch butterflies overwintering in central Mexico

Given the rapid population decline and recent petition for listing of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.) under the Endangered Species Act, an accurate estimate of the Eastern, migratory population size is needed. Because of difficulty in counting individual monarchs, the number of hectares occupied by monarchs in the overwintering area is commonly used as a proxy for population size, which is then multiplied by the density of individuals per hectare to estimate population size. There is, however, considerable variation in published estimates of overwintering density, ranging from 6.9–60.9 million ha−1. We develop a probability distribution for overwinter density of monarch butterflies from six published density estimates. The mean density among the mixture of the six published estimates was ∼27.9 million butterflies ha−1 (95% CI [2.4–80.7] million ha−1); the mixture distribution is approximately log-normal, and as such is better represented by the median (21.1 million butterflies ha−1). Based upon assumptions regarding the number of milkweed needed to support monarchs, the amount of milkweed (Asclepias spp.) lost (0.86 billion stems) in the northern US plus the amount of milkweed remaining (1.34 billion stems), we estimate >1.8 billion stems is needed to return monarchs to an average population size of 6 ha. Considerable uncertainty exists in this required amount of milkweed because of the considerable uncertainty occurring in overwinter density estimates. Nevertheless, the estimate is on the same order as other published estimates. The studies included in our synthesis differ substantially by year, location, method, and measures of precision. A better understanding of the factors influencing overwintering density across space and time would be valuable for increasing the precision of conservation recommendations.
Accuracy of external cause-of-injury coding in hospital records

Objective: To appraise the published evidence regarding the accuracy of external cause-of-injury codes in hospital records. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: Electronic databases searched included PubMed, PubMed Central, Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Elite, Proquest Health and Medical Complete, and Google Scholar. Snowballing strategies were used by searching the bibliographies of retrieved references to identify relevant associated articles. Selection criteria: Studies were included in the review if they assessed the accuracy of external cause-of-injury coding in hospital records via a recoding methodology. Methods: The papers identified through the search were independently screened by two authors for inclusion. Because of heterogeneity between studies, meta-analysis was not performed. Results: Very limited research on the accuracy of external cause coding for injury-related hospitalisation using medical record review and recoding methodologies has been conducted, with only five studies matching the selection criteria. The accuracy of external cause coding using ICD-9-CM ranged from ∼ 64% when exact code agreement was examined to ∼85% when agreement for broader groups of codes was examined. Conclusions: Although broad external cause groupings coded in ICD-9-CM can be used with some confidence, researchers should exercise caution for very specific codes until further research is conducted to validate these data. As all previous studies have been conducted using ICD-9-CM, research is needed to quantify the accuracy of coding using ICD-10-AM, and validate the use of these data for injury surveillance purposes.
Corporate Social Actions and Reputation: From Doing Good to Looking Good

While corporate social responsibility (CSR) has garnered the attention of scholars over the past three decades, most attention has been focused on a link to financial performance. Grounded in stakeholder theory and a resource-based view of the firm considering the cospecialized intangible assets of CSR and reputation, this research explores the evolution of corporate social actions and firm reputation over time. We draw on data from the KLD database on corporate social actions and concerns, and on the Fortune most-admired company database to examine the relationship between corporate social behaviour and reputation over time. In the thesis, we argue that starting with the broad premise that any corporate social action or gesture can initially enhance corporate reputation, the firm is then both encouraged and also expected to go further. Accordingly, we propose subsequent actions are needed to meet stakeholder expectations to be able to improve or at least sustain firm reputation. We find that over the timeframe of our study that corporate social actions do experience the predicted positive linear growth. Drawing on a sample of 285 major US firms and a 2002-2006 time frame to provide a 1425 firm year panel, we find corporate social actions to be strongly related to corporate reputation, while the change in corporate social actions also predicts a change in corporate reputation. We also found support for the hypothesis that corporate social actions directed to technical stakeholders have the most significant impact on firm reputation. We do not however find the expected influence of concerns over corporate social actions directed to institutional stakeholders on firm reputation, leading to the intriguing question: why not? We provide detailed illustrations with five of the sampled firms and interpret their CSR-reputation relationships. These findings expand our understanding of the effect of the change over time in corporate social actions and the ensuing effect on corporate reputation. We extend the applicability of our findings to management, discuss limitations and propose future research directions.
Exfoliative cytology in the diagnosis of breast disease

A total of 393 nipple discharge or scrape smears from 360 women were examined cytologically over a 12‐year period. Twenty‐nine breast cancers (8 per cent) have been histologically confirmed in this group, of which 16 had malignant smear cytology (sensitivity 55 per cent). Nine patients with breast cancer and positive cytology had impalpable tumours. Two of these cancers were not detected by any other investigation. Thirteen patients with nipple discharge had false‐negative cytology, but there were no false‐positive results (specificity 100 per cent). All patients with expressible or spontaneous nipple discharges and those with skin changes at the nipple should undergo examination of cytological smears.
Discovery of a Frank-Kasper σ Phase in Sphere-Forming Block Copolymer Melts

Block Copolymer Assembly Despite their structural simplicity, block copolymers can assemble into complex and often surprising structures. Lee et al. (p. 349; see the Perspective by Peterca and Percec) demonstrate the formation of a new ordered phase in a diblock copolymer and a tetrablock copolymer formed from frustrated self-assembled spherical microdomains. Remarkably, this structure contains tetragonal unit cells with 30 spheres per lattice site and is related to dodecagonal quasicrystals. This structure was first described by Frank and Kasper as a sigma phase 50 years ago and is seen in some metal alloys. An unusual crystalline arrangement seen in some metal alloys has also been formed with phase-separating polymers. Sphere-forming block copolymers are known to self-assemble into body-centered cubic crystals near the order-disorder transition temperature. Small-angle x-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy experiments on diblock and tetrablock copolymer melts have revealed an equilibrium phase characterized by a large tetragonal unit cell containing 30 microphase-separated spheres. This structure, referred to as the sigma (σ) phase by Frank and Kasper more than 50 years ago, nucleates and grows from the body-centered cubic phase similar to its occurrence in metal alloys and is a crystal approximant to dodecagonal quasicrystals. Formation of the σ phase in undiluted linear block copolymers (and certain branched dendrimers) appears to be mediated by macromolecular packing frustration, an entropic contribution to the interparticle interactions that control the sphere-packing geometry.
Studies on Electron Beam Vapour Generation in PVD Processes

Generation of metal vapour by electron beam heating is a complex phenomenon that involves many concurrent physical and dynamical processes in response to the impact of concentrated flux of energetic electrons on the metal target. These processes occurring at different stages need to be understood in detail for optimization of the process. Detailed investigations were carried out in our laboratory on various aspects of the e-beam evaporation process such as electron optics, stability of e-beam power, process monitoring, convective heat transfer in melt pool of the target and physical processes occurring in the metal vapour and plasma emerging from the hot zone. Our results on these aspects are presented in this article.
Changes in Adductor Strength After Competition in Academy Rugby Union Players

Abstract Roe, GAB, Phibbs, PJ, Till, K, Jones, BL, Read, DB, Weakley, JJ, and Darrall-Jones, JD. Changes in adductor strength after competition in academy rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 30(2): 344–350, 2016—This study determined the magnitude of change in adductor strength after a competitive match in academy rugby union players and examined the relationship between locomotive demands of match-play and changes in postmatch adductor strength. A within-subject repeated measures design was used. Fourteen academy rugby union players (age, 17.4 ± 0.8 years; height, 182.7 ± 7.6 cm; body mass, 86.2 ± 11.6 kg) participated in the study. Each player performed 3 maximal adductor squeezes at 45° of hip flexion before and immediately, 24, 48, and 72 hours postmatch. Global positioning system was used to assess locomotive demands of match-play. Trivial decreases in adductor squeeze scores occurred immediately (−1.3 ± 2.5%; effect size [ES] = −0.11 ± 0.21; likely, 74%) and 24 hours after match (−0.7 ± 3%; ES = −0.06 ± 0.25; likely, 78%), whereas a small but substantial increase occurred at 48 hours (3.8 ± 1.9%; ES = 0.32 ± 0.16; likely, 89%) before reducing to trivial at 72 hours after match (3.1 ± 2.2%; ES = 0.26 ± 0.18; possibly, 72%). Large individual variation in adductor strength was observed at all time points. The relationship between changes in adductor strength and distance covered at sprinting speed (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max ≥ 81%) was large immediately postmatch (p = 0.056, r = −0.521), moderate at 24 hours (p = 0.094, r = −0.465), and very large at 48 hours postmatch (p = 0.005, r = −0.707). Players who cover greater distances sprinting may suffer greater adductor fatigue in the first 48 hours after competition. The assessment of adductor strength using the adductor squeeze test should be considered postmatch to identify players who may require additional rest before returning to field-based training.
The Impact of Eyelid and Eye Contour Factors on a Toric Soft Contact Lens Fitting in Chinese Subjects

Purpose: To evaluate eyelid and eye contour factors that can influence the fitting of toric soft contact lenses (TSCLs). Methods: Thirty-two subjects (64 eyes) were enrolled and fitted with Lo-Torque design TSCLs. One eye of each subject was randomly selected. High-resolution digital images were acquired after the subjects had worn the lens for 20 minutes, and the images were then processed with Adobe Photoshop. The palpebral aperture (PA), various angles of the eyelid, horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID), and lens parameters were obtained. Finally, lens fitting was evaluated. Results: During the assessment of the correlations between the eyelid and eye contour factors and the lens fitting, there were four pairs of significant correlations: (1) the PA and rotational direction of the lens: larger eye PA was associated with a greater possibility of nasal rotation of the corresponding lens (P=0.03); (2) the angle of the central lower lid (&thgr;3) and the rotational stability of the lens: the larger the angle was, the worse the rotational stability was (P=0.02); (3) the lower lid angle of the medial canthus (&thgr;5) and temporal rotational recovery: the smaller the angle was, the more quickly the lens recovered (P=0.05); and (4) HVID and routine fitting assessments: the larger the HVID was, the looser the lens fitting (P=0.00). Finally, when assessing correlations between some lens parameters and the orientation of the lens, we found that lower sphere values were associated with quicker lens recovery (P=0.04). Conclusion: Several eye factors, as well as lens characteristics, had impacts on the TSCLs fitting, including the PA, the angle of the central lower lid (&thgr;3), the lower lid angle of the medial canthus (&thgr;5), and the sphere of the lens. These factors should receive particular attention when fitting TSCLs.
Kinome Profiling for Studying Lipopolysaccharide Signal Transduction in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells*

The DNA array technique allows comprehensive analysis of the genome and transcriptome, but the high throughput array-based assessment of intracellular signal transduction remains troublesome. The goal of this study was to test a new peptide array technology for studying the activity of all kinases of whole cell lysates, the kinome. Cell lysates from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide were used for in vitro phosphorylation with [γ-33P]ATP arrays consisting of 192 peptides (substrates for kinases) spotted on glass. The usefulness of peptide arrays for studying signal transduction was demonstrated by the generation of the first comprehensive description of the temporal kinetics of phosphorylation events induced by lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Furthermore analysis of the signals obtained suggested activation of p21Ras by lipopolysaccharide, and this was confirmed by direct measurement of p21Ras GTP levels in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which represents the first direct demonstration of p21Ras activation by stimulation of a Toll receptor family member. Further confidence in the usefulness of peptide array technology for studying signal transduction came from Western blot analysis of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cells, which corroborated the signals obtained using peptide arrays as well as from the demonstration that kinase inhibitors effected peptide array phosphorylation patterns consistent with the expected action of these inhibitors. We conclude that this first metabolic array is a useful method to determine the enzymatic activities of a large group of kinases, offering high throughput analysis of cellular metabolism and signal transduction.
Characterization of Natural Pigments from the Archaeological Context of Traful Lake (Neuquén, Argentina)

In this paper we discuss the use of mineral pigments recovered in stratigraphic position from three excavated archaeological sites (Traful Lake area, Argentina) with the aim of providing information on selection and frequency of use of these raw materials. In this region, human occupation has been recorded since 4000 BP. In order to identify the chromophoric minerals, we applied wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Green, red, yellow ochre, and white pigments dated between 3490 and 590 BP were analyzed. The results show that different analytical techniques provide complementary information in order to identify the pigments. Green, red, and yellow samples are related to iron-based compounds. The green pigments can be associated with celadonite and the others with hematite. White samples revealed the presence of hydroxyapatite. Black dots, identified as carbon, were observed in several samples. Red pigments are always predominant, and their relative abundance increases in recent strata. Results are discussed in light of the context and previous reports of chroniclers. En este trabajo se discute el uso de pigmentos minerales recuperados en posición estratigráfica durante la excavación de tres sitios arqueológicos en el área del Lago Traful (provincia de Neuquén, Argentina) con el objeto de proveer información sobre la selección y frecuencia de uso de estas materias primas. En esta región las ocupaciones humanas presentan una cronología a partir de 4-000 años aP. Para la identificación de minerales cromóforos se aplicaron las técnicas de fluorescencia de rayos X, espectroscopia Raman y difracción de rayos X. Se seleccionaron muestras de color verde, rojo, amarillo ocre y blanco datadas entre 3490 y 590 aP. Los resultados muestran la complementariedad de las técnicas para el análisis y la identificación de pigmentos. Las muestras verdes, rojas y amarillas están relacionadas con compuestos basados en hierro. Las verdes pueden asociarse con celadonita y las restantes con hematita; las blancas revelaron la presencia de hidroxiapatita. En varias muestras se observaron también puntos negros identificados como carbón. Los pigmentos rojos son predominantes y su abundancia relativa aumenta en los estratos recientes. Los resultados se discuten a la luz del contexto arqueológico y de los reportes previos de cronistas.
Security market timing and effects of credit rating and corporate governance on capital structure of UK firms

This thesis investigates into the capital structure of public companies in the UK. It consists of two empirical chapters. The first chapter extends market timing theory of capital structure as first proposed by Baker and Wurgler (2002) by looking at the effects of several market timing variables on the corporate financing decisions in the UK. The second study examines the effects of credit rating and corporate governance on capital structure. The sample period covers the most recent seven years. Also, I divide the whole sample period into two periods that are before and during the financial crisis in 2008, to control for the potential effects of financial crisis on the empirical relationships that are investigated in this study. Based on the capital structure theories, I find mixed evidences that support and different from the theories, and I observe the influences of financial crisis on the research issues that I aim to investigate, which shows the effect of financial crisis can be a real consideration on the capital structure of UK companies.
A Spectral Estimation of Tempered Stable Stochastic Volatility Models and Option Pricing

A characteristic function-based method is proposed to estimate the time-changed Levy models, which take into account both stochastic volatility and infinite-activity jumps. The method facilitates computation and overcomes problems related to the discretization error and to the non-tractable probability density. Estimation results and option pricing performance indicate that the infinite-activity model performs better than the finite-activity one. By introducing a jump component in the volatility process, a double-jump model is also investigated.
Adenosine analogues with specificity for A2 receptors bind to mouse spermatozoa and stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in uncapacitated suspensions.

Adenosine and its analogues, known to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in somatic cells via A2 receptors, can accelerate capacitation in mouse spermatozoa and thereby enhance fertilizing ability in vitro. Indirect evidence has suggested that adenosine can modulate mouse sperm adenylate cyclase, implicating this enzyme and cAMP in the observed functional responses. In the present study we provide evidence that [3H]5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), an adenosine analogue with specificity for stimulatory A2 adenosine receptors, can bind to mouse spermatozoa. This binding can be displaced by both unlabelled NECA and 2-chloroadenosine, another A2 receptor agonist, but not by cyclopentyladenosine, an inhibitory A1 receptor agonist, suggesting that the NECA binding is specific for A2 receptors. The presence of S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine, an adenosine transport inhibitor, did not affect binding, indicating an external site for interaction with sperm cells. Saturable specific binding of [3H]NECA to mouse spermatozoa incubated at 37 degrees C was observed, with a Bmax of 5.17 pmol mg-1 protein and a Kd value of 930 nmol l-1. Binding data were consistent with the presence of a single major class of receptor. In addition to demonstrable binding of [3H]NECA, both NECA and 2-chloroadenosine significantly stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in a concentration-dependent manner, with NECA being effective at a lower concentration. Furthermore, the hydrolysis-resistant GTP analogue Gpp(NH)p, alone and in the presence of either NECA or 2-chloroadenosine, also significantly stimulated enzyme activity. In somatic cells, expression of responses to adenosine usually requires GTP and G proteins. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ethics and Internet Measurements

Over the last decade the Internet has changed from a helpful tool to an important part of our daily lives for many of the world population. Where in the past it was mostly used for looking and exchanging information, it is now used to stay in touch with friends, perform financial transactions or exchange other kinds of sensitive information. This development may impact researchers performing Internet measurements as data traffic are now more likely to have some impact on users. Traditional institutions such as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) or Ethics Committees are not always equipped to perform a thorough review or gauge the impact of internet measurement studies. This paper examines the impact of this development for internet measurements, analyses previous cases where internet measurements have touch upon ethical issues. An early framework is also proposed to help researchers identify stakeholders and how a study may impact them.