Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transduction of cellular neo mRNA by retrovirus-mediated recombination

Transduction of cellular oncogenes by retroviruses is thought to be a multistep process, involving transcriptional activation of a cellular gene by upstream proviral integration and joining of cellular DNA to retroviral transcriptional signals, followed by copackaging and recombination with a helper virus genome during reverse transcription. To examine the molecular mechanism of the reverse transcriptase-mediated recombination, we introduced into mouse fibroblast cells a variety of constructs in which the neo selectable marker was joined to flanking retroviruslike or cell-like sequences. After superinfection and copackaging with a replication-competent Mo-MuLVsupF virus, the formation of recombinant neo transducing viruses was assessed in a second round of virus infection by the ability to confer G418 resistance to infected cells. Our results showed that recombinant neo proviruses were generated from neo RNA containing either a 5' or 3' retroviral end, implying that one recombination event with helper virus RNA was sufficient to incorporate the neo gene into proviral DNA. Recombination occurred with an apparent frequency of 10(-4) to 10(-5) per replication cycle in the absence of homology between the two recombining partners. This frequency, however, increased at least 100-fold if homology was provided at the site of recombination. Our results support the hypothesis that neo-transducing viruses arise via reverse transcriptase-mediated recombination of RNA rather than by recombination proceeding through DNA intermediates. Unexpectedly, removal of the retroviral packaging site psi reduced the number of neo recombinants only slightly. Our data indicated that although RNAs lacking the psi site are poorly packaged into virions, those RNAs that are included in the virions undergo frequent recombination, even if there is no selection for recombination. Many of the neo recombinants formed with the psi- constructs had undergone additional recombinations and often incorporated the psi site from the helper RNA.
Abstract Representations of Location and Facing Direction in the Human Brain

Humans, like other mobile organisms, rely on spatial representations to guide navigation from place to place. Although previous work has identified neural systems involved in wayfinding, the specific spatial codes supported by these systems are not well understood. We use functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify regions within the human medial temporal and medial parietal lobes that encode two fundamental spatial quantities—location and facing direction—in a manner that abstracts away from sensory inputs. University students were scanned while viewing photographs taken at several familiar campus locations. Multivoxel pattern analyses indicated that the left presubiculum, retrosplenial complex, and parietal-occipital sulcus coded location identity even across non-overlapping views, whereas the right presubiculum coded facing direction even across noncontiguous locations. The location and direction codes supported by these regions may be critical to our ability to navigate within the extended environment and to understand its large-scale spatial structure.
Unified Endurance Degradation Model of Floating Gate NAND Flash Memory

Endurance degradation model applicable to the broad node range of floating-gate NAND flash memory is proposed for the first time. The model is based on generation of the trapped charge, which follows nonuniform spatial distribution of the erase tunneling current. A special Topology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) simulation technique to simulate program/erase cycling is described in detail. Simulation parameters, determining change of midgap voltage (vertical centroid position and maximum value of the trapped charge) are extracted from the reference device with known endurance curve, and these are applied to the target cell. The endurance characteristics predicted by the model are verified to reproduce measured endurance curves for design rules of 27, 42, and 90 nm. Several factors affect midgap voltage change-area occupied by trapped charge; vertical position of charge centroid; separation of trapped charge distribution and tunnel current. A 3-D TCAD simulation allows accurate consideration of the given factors, resulting in good match between measured and simulated endurance curves.
Alternative measures of satisfaction in cross‐cultural settings

Purpose – This paper seeks to develop and test a model that enables examination of the cross‐cultural comparative influence of the meets expectations versus feeling state perspectives of consumer satisfaction for a product or brand.Design/methodology/approach – New measures were developed for the meets expectations and feeling state constructs, leading to a survey that was administered to Chinese and Americans. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in order to test hypotheses that were developed from the extant literature.Findings – The study found that meets expectations and feeling state are two distinct separate constructs with Americans and Chinese, and that their influence on future purchase intent differs between cultures, and between brands.Research limitations/implications – Only two brands were used in the study. The survey was completed with university students in the USA and China versus a broader range of age groups. The dissimilar nuances of English and Chinese may lead to.
Oil Prices, Exchange Rates and Interest Rates

This paper investigates the occupational mobility and job quality of young people in Indonesia and relates this to the concept of “scarring. ” The concept of labor market scarring in this paper is the occurrence of low or zero returns to certain types of work (for example, self-employment). Scarring is expected to occur whenever an individual spends periods working in occupations in which their human capital is either stagnant or deteriorating. Fixed effects estimations using panel data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey reveal that a period in self-employment is associated with negative returns for youth (about 3 to 4 percent per year penalty), but not for older adults. In addition, there are clear patterns of persistence in self-employment over time with few individuals progressing from petty self-employment to businesses with permanent workers.
Corporate Product Policy and Innovative Behavior of European and Japanese Multinationals: An Empirical Investigation

The author empirically examines the product policies of European and Japanese multinational firms in relation to product and process innovations. He also investigates linkages between corporate product policy and manufacturing strategy and their implications for product and process innovations in an era of global competition. These foreign multinational firms, in particular the Japanese firms, increasingly stress the simultaneous strategic importance of product and process innovations. Findings indicate that Levitt's argument for the development of a globally acceptable product has gained momentum among European and Japanese multinational firms that lead in product and process innovations. In a marketing context, it has become important for them to expand commonalities across national boundaries rather than focusing on customer differences based on nationalities. European and Japanese multinationals increasingly shape global competition and the findings afford managerial insights into their current product strategies.
The prevalence of depressive symptoms and predisposing factors in an elderly Chinese population

In a survey of elderly Chinese aged 70 years and over living in Hong Kong selected by stratified random sampling, the prevalence of depression was determined using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale using a cut‐off point of 8 (sensitivity 96.3% and specificity 87.5% for this population). Subjects with moderate to severe cognitive impairment (CAPE I/O score ≤ 7) were excluded. There were 877 men and 734 women. The adjusted overall prevalence for this population was 29.2% for men and 41.1% for women. The prevalence increased with age in men and was higher in women than in men. Univariate analysis identified many factors in the following areas that were associated with depression: socioeconomic characteristics, functional ability, physical health and social support. Stepwise logistic regression identified 16 factors predictive of depression: socioeconomic characteristics, such as borderline living expenses and dissatisfaction with living arrangement; poor social support, such as absence of an informal carer when ill, few relatives to turn to, and infrequent contact with neighbours and friends; functional disability, as indicated by a Barthel Index < 15, urinary incontinence and inability to do housework; and poor physical health – poor self perceived health, poor vision, difficulty with chewing, history of mental illness, frequent hospital admissions and increased level of symptoms such as poor memory, constipation and dizziness. Some of these factors may be amenable to intervention, and such measures may be important in reducing the high prevalence of depression in elderly people.
Advertising and Pricing at Multiple Output Firms: Evidence from U.S. Thrift Institutions

We derive five hypotheses model regarding the determinants of advertising and deposit pricing from a structural theoretical of profit maximizing depository institutions; we test these conjectures in a simultaneous system of deposit interest rates and advertising expenditures for the population of U.S. thrift institutions between 1994 and 2000. Our data contains ten different deposit products being sold in 666 different geographic markets. We find support for each of our hypotheses--branding, information, Dorfman-Steiner, structure-advertising, and structure-price--with the strength of the results depending on the attributes of the different deposit products and the characteristics of the various thrifts.
Delivery of Therapeutic RNAi by Nanovehicles

RNA interference (RNAi) is an evolutionary conserved mechanism in which a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) inhibits gene expression by degrading messenger RNA or by blocking the translation pathway of a specific gene. [1] During RNAi, exogenous (e.g., viral RNA) or endogenous (e.g., microRNA) dsRNA is processed and cut to 21- to 23-nucleotide RNA fragments (short interfering RNAs [siRNA]) by a ribonuclease called Dicer and assembled into a RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Components of the RISC destroy the passenger strand and recognize and cleave the target mRNA. Since RNAi was first discovered in Canorhabditis elegans a decade ago,[2] it has inspired researchers worldwide to explore more fundamental biological issues and possible biomedical applications The RNAi phenomenon was applied in mammalian cells by two research teams, demonstrating that siRNA can efficiently knock down genes in animal cells. [3, 4] Since then, researchers have been ardently pursuing approaches to manipulating this powerful tool in therapeutics.
An Empirical and Theoretical Study of Freeway Weave Bottlenecks

This report describes research which examined freeway weaving sections and the mechanisms that cause bottlenecks and trigger changes in the discharge flows. Changes in the spatial distributions of mandatory lane changes, particularly for Freeway-to-Ramp (F-R) maneuvers, were found to result in variations in bottleneck discharge flows. F-R maneuvers concentrated near on-ramp were found to be disruptive and led to bottleneck activations with discharge flow reductions. Traffic conditions in the auxiliary lane were found to dictate the spatial distributions of the lane changes. F-R drivers were motivated to perform their maneuvers nearer the on-ramp as a result of on-ramp flow reductions increasing the attractiveness of the auxiliary lanes. A micro-simulation model based on the observed lane-changing behaviors was developed and was able to reproduce the mechanisms of weaving bottleneck flows.
Reducing household water consumption: a social marketing approach

Abstract There is increasing pressure for society to move towards more sustainable use of its resources, and calls in the literature have been made to reassess marketing’s role in achieving such goals. This research examines how key behavioural factors influence household water use, in the context of a social marketing programme to reduce household water consumption. A model of the key drivers of household water consumption is developed and tested using a sample of 909 households in a regional city in Australia. The findings from this study support the model developed and show that in the absence of price as a rationing mechanism, the social marketing programme significantly reduces household water consumption.
Effects of strategic orientation and environmental change on senior management reward systems

This paper examines the effects of strategic orientation and environmental change on senior management reward systems. We develop a framework that relates differences in strategic orientations and environmental conditions to four factors–availability of multiple options, programability of behavior, cause–effect ambiguity and outcome uncertainty. Hypotheses based on this framework are tested in a sample of 50 electric utility firms across two time periods covering a total of 10 years. Consistent with theory, we find that firms with more discretionary strategic orientations offer greater compensation, more outcome-based compensation plans and greater proportion of outcome-based cash compensation than firms with less discretionary strategic orientations. Similarly, high discretion environmental periods are associated with greater pay, more outcome-based compensation plans and greater proportion of outcome-based cash compensation than low discretion environmental periods.
Isolating the determinants of temporary agency worker use by firms: an analysis of temporary agency workers in Australian aged care

Despite a reasonable amount of literature on firms’ reasons for using agency workers we contend that the firms which are users of agency workers are not well understood. Temporary agency work is interesting in the context of understanding the functioning of labour markets. Temporary agency work is of particular interest in Australia which already has a high level of casual employment offering employers considerable flexibility in managing their workforce by other means. We use a unique Australian employer survey in an industry with a higher than usual share of agency workers in the constrained worker supply context, to highlight and explore the differentiating features between those firms that do and do not use agency workers. The analysis enables better identification of the economic conditions under which firms use agency workers. We gain insight into aspects of the aged care sector that encourage temporary agency worker usage by firms.
Competencies and Opportunities for Entry Level Golf and Club Management Careers: Perceptions from the Industry

Abstract Employee recruitment in the golf and club management industry is a significant and challenging issue. This study examined the expected competencies and career opportunities for entry level management positions. Evidence revealed a broad spectrum of competencies, including food and beverage, leadership and strategic management, and financial accounting. Recruitment strategies to reduce vacancies and attract qualified applicants were generated, including credentialing, internships, and opportunities for current employees in the hospitality industry.
Effects of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The appropriate pattern of macronutrient distribution for dietary protocols aimed at treating or preventing obesity and its associated cardiovascular diseases is still a controversial topic of discussion. Recommendations considering a specific percentage or range for monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) are rare. It was the aim of this study to analyze long-term, randomized, controlled dietary intervention trials and to investigate the effects of MUFA on the biomarkers of obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. Dietary regimens with a high amount of MUFA (>12%) were compared to those with ≤12%. The biomarkers taken into account were weight, waist circumference, fat mass, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as C-reactive protein. A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed using the Review Manager 5.0.25 software. Significant differences between high- and low-MUFA protocols could be observed with respect to fat mass [–1.94 kg (confidence interval –3.72, –0.17), p = 0.03], systolic blood pressure [–2.26 mm Hg (confidence interval –4.28, –0.25), p = 0.03] and diastolic blood pressure [–1.15 mm Hg (confidence interval –1.96, –0.34), p = 0.005] favoring the dietary protocols with >12% MUFA. Therefore, MUFA might represent a useful tool in the design of dietary regimens for obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Defining Living Kidney Donor ESRD Risk—Looking Beyond Race and Gender

The transplant community recently had occasion to celebrate the memory and contributions of Ronald Lee Herrick, the first donor (1). Mr. Herrick’s selfless gift heralded the transition of transplantation from a theoretical dream to a clinical reality. Voluntary donation in the context of stringent medical evaluation of the donor and a structured process of informed consent has since guided the evolution of living donor kidney transplantation (2). However, the growing use of living donation and the widening of donor acceptance criteria in recent years has directed appropriate attention to its long-term safety (3).
Effects of Methylphenidate on Sleep Functioning in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: To examine the effects of stimulant medication on the sleep functioning of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and identify predictors of sleep problems as a side effect of taking stimulant medication. Method: One hundred sixty-three stimulant-naïve children (72% boys) aged 7 to 11 years diagnosed with ADHD (120 with ADHD predominantly inattentive type, 43 with ADHD combined type) participated in a 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of once-daily (long-acting) methylphenidate (MPH). Parents completed weekly side-effect ratings including an item related to sleep problems. Results: Ten percent of patients had parent-rated sleep problems before the initiation of medication. Rates of parent-rated sleep problems during MPH titration generally increased with increasing MPH dose (placebo: 8%; low dose: 18%; medium dose: 15%; high dose: 25%). Differences emerged between children with (n = 16) or without (n = 147) preexisting sleep problems. Although 23% of children without preexisting sleep problems went on to have sleep problems at the highest MPH dose, only 37.5% of children with preexisting sleep problems still had sleep problems at the highest MPH dose. Lower weight and lower body mass index (BMI) were associated with increased sleep problems during MPH titration. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a general association between increased MPH dose and increased sleep problems in children with ADHD, particularly for children of lower weight/BMI. However, a substantial proportion of children with preexisting sleep difficulties no longer had sleep problems on the highest MPH dose, which may help explain mixed findings reported to date in studies examining the impact of MPH on sleep functioning in children with ADHD and suggests that MPH dose titration should not be avoided solely on the basis of a child's premorbid sleep problems. Future research is needed to replicate and extend these findings to more specific domains of sleep functioning and to identify differences between children with persistent or improved sleep functioning as a result of MPH use.
License to Look: Evolving Models for Library Video Acquisition and Access

Rapid and significant changes in digital video production and delivery technologies have created both opportunities and challenges for film and video producers and distributors, as well as for their institutional clients. For distributors of commercial videos, the move toward online delivery has created an attendant need to reevaluate both the changing nature of the marketplace and the economic models employed in selling products in that market. This article outlines current and evolving models for licensing and delivering commercially produced educational and documentary video content online (streamed video on demand [VOD]), and presents both librarian and vendor perspectives on the benefits and liabilities of these various models. Broad issues considered in these discussions include the added value and changing market for video content delivered online; perspectives on term vs. in-perpetuity licensing; and the short- and long-term impact of new delivery models on collection development, collection budgets, and user services.
Responding to the Revised Code on corporate governance:UK audit committees

Purpose: The audit committee is one of the most prominent sub-committees of the board of directors, having a potentially important role to play in ensuring sound corporate governance. The purpose of this paper is to examine and discuss the behaviour of companies following the most recent revisions to the UK’s Revised Code. Research design/methodology/approach: A variety of annual report data from a sample of 50 UK companies, stratified according to size, is collected and analyzed. Findings: General compliance with many provisions of the Code was found. All but one company had an audit committee, comprising solely non-executive directors. However, in about a quarter of cases the chairman was a member, and in some case directors were not ‘independent’ according to the definition of the Code. Many companies exceeded the minimum stipulated requirements, for example the number of non-executive directors on the audit committee or the number of meetings held. Nevertheless, some companies did not follow recommended practice, particularly regarding the disclosure of information, and some explanations for non-compliance seemed weak. Implications: Compliance with disclosure demands regarding audit committees could be improved, as could the quality of explanations when the recommendations of the Code are not followed. Given the resistance of many companies to corporate governance regulation and accusations of ‘box ticking’, future research should probe why many companies do more than is required or recommended. The research should be repeated when further revisions to the Code are made in respect of audit committees, and practice in countries other than the UK should be researched to provide comparative insights.
Emotion Processing of Major, Minor, and Dissonant Chords

Abstract: Musicians and nonmusicians listened to major, minor, and dissonant musical chords while their BOLD brain responses were registered with functional magnetic resonance imaging. In both groups of listeners, minor and dissonant chords, compared with major chords, elicited enhanced responses in several brain areas, including the amygdala, retrosplenial cortex, brain stem, and cerebellum, during passive listening but not during memorization of the chords. The results indicate that (1) neural processing in emotion‐related brain areas is activated even by single chords, (2) emotion processing is enhanced in the absence of cognitive requirements, and (3) musicians and nonmusicians do not differ in their neural responses to single musical chords during passive listening.