Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
"Nudging the jetset to offset" : voluntary carbon offsetting for air travel

In recent years in both academia and in many western governments, ‘Nudge’-style interventions have been tested and applied to various policy areas including public health, road safety, and saving domestic energy. Often these have been successful in terms of changing behaviour, partly because the interests of the citizen-consumer (pro-self ends) and those of the environment/society (pro-social ends) are in convergence. Less research has been conducted into using nudges for solely pro-social behaviours. In this thesis I discuss the application of nudges to promote one pro-social behaviour: voluntary carbon offsetting for air travel. Testing nudges through randomised controlled trials and evaluating them through qualitative focus groups, nudges were found to have limited utility in promoting this target behaviour. Two explanations are proposed, one in terms of the design of the nudges, and one in terms of the substantive problems associated with this target behaviour. In terms of the design of the interventions trialled in this study, ‘too much information’ being provided, a ‘distant’ social norm message, and a lack of attention to ‘intrinsic values’ at the expense of more technical language may be barriers which pro-social nudges ought to avoid. Secondly and more substantively, it is argued that when pro-social behaviours are not perceived as ‘common’, are not ‘visible’ (i.e. others cannot ‘see’ them being done, and so they are resistant to the power of social norms), and they are associated with negatively-constructed ‘cousins’ (as carbon offsetting is associated with invasive ‘extra’ services), then nudges are unlikely to be effective. This is a key empirical contribution to the literature regarding the practical boundaries at which nudging may start to fail. These findings act as an empirical demonstration of the theoretical contribution of the thesis, which is a novel portrayal of the nudge paradigm as macro-libertarianism and micro-paternalism: a form of neo-liberal behavioural governance which is politically attractive, but is often ineffectual. The thesis concludes by arguing that when the interests of the citizen-consumer and those of the environment/society are not in convergence, nudging may be inadequate and tougher regulatory approaches, such as ‘budging’, may be necessary. Implications for both behavioural public policy and sustainable aviation are discussed.
The roles of transportation and transportation hubs in the propagation of influenza and coronaviruses: a systematic review

Abstract Background. Respiratory viruses spread in humans across wide geographical areas in short periods of time, resulting in high levels of morbidity and mortality. We undertook a systematic review to assess the evidence that air, ground and sea mass transportation systems or hubs are associated with propagating influenza and coronaviruses. Methods. Healthcare databases and sources of grey literature were searched using pre-defined criteria between April and June 2014. Two reviewers screened all identified records against the protocol, undertook risk of bias assessments and extracted data using a piloted form. Results were analysed using a narrative synthesis. Results. Forty-one studies met the eligibility criteria. Risk of bias was high in the observational studies, moderate to high in the reviews and moderate to low in the modelling studies. In-flight influenza transmission was identified substantively on five flights with up to four confirmed and six suspected secondary cases per affected flight. Five studies highlighted the role of air travel in accelerating influenza spread to new areas. Influenza outbreaks aboard cruise ships affect 2–7% of passengers. Influenza transmission events have been observed aboard ground transport vehicles. High heterogeneity between studies and the inability to exclude other sources of infection means that the risk of influenza transmission from an index case to other passengers cannot be accurately quantified. A paucity of evidence was identified describing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus transmission events associated with transportation systems or hubs. Conclusion. Air transportation appears important in accelerating and amplifying influenza propagation. Transmission occurs aboard aeroplanes, at the destination and possibly at airports. Control measures to prevent influenza transmission on cruise ships are needed to reduce morbidity and mortality. There is no recent evidence of sea transport accelerating influenza or coronavirus spread to new areas. Further investigation is required regarding the roles of ground transportation systems and transport hubs in pandemic situations.
Medical Student Education in Neurosurgery: Optional or Essential?

Issue: Current medical school curricula emphasize general practice principles, and this has led predictably to increasingly limited exposure to subspecialties, including neurosurgery. However, a significant amount of neurosurgical disease and/or emergencies present in primary care settings or emergency rooms. In light of an already acknowledged shortage of neurosurgery providers, this means that general practitioners should be well educated and prepared to diagnose and manage neurosurgical disease. Considering the devastating consequences of a missed or delayed neurosurgical diagnosis, limiting future physicians’ exposure to the field of neurosurgery is not in the best interests of the patient. Evidence: In this article, the authors review and discuss the results of several studies investigating the prevalence, presentation, diagnosis, and management of neurosurgical disease in emergency and general practice settings. They then discuss the current status of neurosurgical education in medical schools, both from the educators’ and students’ perspectives, and how this status might impact patient care. Finally, they offer suggestions for the improvement of neurosurgical education during medical school. Implications: Despite being considered highly subspecialized, neurosurgical diagnosis and care is a field in which all physicians should receive proper education and training. To properly serve patients and produce competent physicians, steps should be taken to re-emphasize the importance of neurosurgical education for medical students.
Comparison of the efficiency and toxicity of sonoporation with branched polyethylenimine-mediated gene transfection in various cultured cell lines.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to evaluate transfection efficiency and safety for gene delivery by sonoporation in comparison with cationic polymer gene carrier branched polyethylenimine (BPEI). METHODS The cDNA expressing VEGF(165) was cloned under chicken beta-actin promoter. The plasmid DNA was transfected into the CHO, HEK293, and NIH3T3 cells using microbubble-based sonoporation and BPEI (25 kDa) under various conditions. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the expressed protein level. Cytotoxicities of transfection methods were compared by Cell Counting Kit-8. RESULTS At 1 MHz intensity, transfection efficiency of sonoporation was enhanced by microbubble concentration with no detrimental effects. By contrast, BPEI exacerbated cell viability, despite its high transgene expression efficiency. CONCLUSION Sonoporation gene therapy might be the safest technique to be used in actual clinical practice.
Risk management with weighted VaR

This article studies the optimal portfolio selection of expected utility‐maximizing investors who must also manage their market‐risk exposures. The risk is measured by a so‐called weighted value‐at‐risk (WVaR) risk measure, which is a generalization of both value‐at‐risk (VaR) and expected shortfall (ES). The feasibility, well‐posedness, and existence of the optimal solution are examined. We obtain the optimal solution (when it exists) and show how risk measures change asset allocation patterns. In particular, we characterize three classes of risk measures: the first class will lead to models that do not admit an optimal solution, the second class can give rise to endogenous portfolio insurance, and the third class, which includes VaR and ES, two popular regulatory risk measures, will allow economic agents to engage in “regulatory capital arbitrage,” incurring larger losses when losses occur.
(Meta-)framing strategic entrepreneurship

In this essay, we seek to focus scholarly discourse on the conceptual identity, boundaries, and precision of strategic entrepreneurship as an organizational construct. To give a “face” to a construct, lines must be drawn, marking off what it encompasses and what it does not. We, thus, first frame and assess prior conceptualizations from a construct clarity perspective. Our intent here is not to exhaustively catalogue all the varied conceptualizations available, but rather to map in lieu of burrow the content domain of strategic entrepreneurship as a theoretical construct, illuminate points of convergence and divergence, and reveal potential blind spots and ambiguities in extant definitions. Then, we advance a meta-framework for stimulating discourse around the key construct parameters. We say “meta-framework” because we do not seek to offer a “silver bullet” but rather advance a core set of questions to view strategic entrepreneurship with greater clarity and precision. We conclude with a set of suggestions for guiding and stimulating future research.
The evolution of the avian genome as revealed by comparative molecular cytogenetics

Birds are characterised by feathers, flight, a small genome and a very distinctive karyotype. Despite the large numbers of chromosomes, the diploid count of 2n ≈ 80 has remained remarkably constant with 63% of birds where 2n = 74–86, 24% with 2n = 66–74 and extremes of 2n = 40 and 2n = 142. Of these, the most studied is the chicken (2n = 78), and molecular cytogenetic probes generated from this species have been used to further understand the evolution of the avian genome. The ancestral karyotype is, it appears, very similar to that of the chicken, with chicken chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4q, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 4p and Z representing the ancestral avian chromosomes 1–10 + Z; chromosome 4 being the most ancient. Avian evolution occurred primarily in three stages: the divergence of the group represented by extant ratites (emu, ostrich etc.) from the rest; divergence of the Galloanserae (chicken, turkey, duck, goose etc.) – the most studied group; and divergence of the ‘land’ and ‘water’ higher birds. Other than sex chromosome differentiation in the first divergence there are no specific changes associated with any of these evolutionary milestones although certain families and orders have undergone multiple fusions (and some fissions), which has reduced their chromosome number; the Falconiformes are the best described. Most changes, overall, seem to involve chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 10 and Z where the Z changes are intrachromosomal; there are also some recurring (convergent) events. Of these, the most puzzling involves chromosomes 4 and 10, which appear to have undergone multiple fissions and/or fusions throughout evolution – three possible hypotheses are presented to explain the findings. We conclude by speculating as to the reasons for the strange behaviour of these chromosomes as well as the role of telomeres and nuclear organisation in avian evolution.
Do 'Too-Big-To-Fail' Banks Take on More Risk?

The notion that some banks are ? too big to fail? builds on the premise that governments will offer support to avoid the adverse consequences of disorderly bank failures. However, this promise of support comes at a cost: Large, complex, or interconnected banks might take on more risk if they expect future rescues. This article studies the effect of potential government support on banks? appetite for risk. Using balance-sheet data for 224 banks in forty-five countries starting in March 2007, the authors find higher levels of impaired loans after an increase in government support. To measure support, they rely on Fitch Ratings? support rating floors (SRFs), a new rating that isolates potential sovereign support from other sources of external support. A one-notch rise in the SRF is found to increase the impaired loan ratio by roughly 0.2? an 8 percent increase for the average bank. The authors obtain similar results when they assess the effect of increased support on net charge-offs and when they narrow their sample to U.S. banks only.
Development of a Real-Time, TaqMan Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay for Detection and Differentiation of Lyssavirus Genotypes 1, 5, and 6

ABSTRACT Several reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) methods have been reported for the detection of rabies and rabies-related viruses. These methods invariably involve multiple transfers of nucleic acids between different tubes, with the risk of contamination leading to the production of false-positive results. Here we describe a single, closed-tube, nonnested RT-PCR with TaqMan technology that distinguishes between classical rabies virus (genotype 1) and European bat lyssaviruses 1 and 2 (genotypes 5 and 6) in real time. The TaqMan assay is rapid, sensitive, and specific and allows for the genotyping of unknown isolates concomitant with the RT-PCR. The assay can be applied quantitatively and the use of an internal control enables the quality of the isolated template to be assessed. Despite sequence heterogeneity in the N gene between the different genotypes, a universal forward and reverse primer set has been designed, allowing for the simplification of previously described assays. We propose that within a geographically constrained area, this assay will be a useful tool for the detection and differentiation of members of the Lyssavirus genus.
Susceptibility to T Cell-Mediated Injury in Immune Complex Disease Is Linked to Local Activation of Renin-Angiotensin System: The Role of NF-AT Pathway1

FcR provides a critical link between ligands and effector cells in immune complex diseases. Emerging evidence reveals that angiotensin (Ang)II exerts a wide variety of cellular effects and contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. In anti-glomerular basement membrane Ab-induced glomerulonephritis (GN), we have previously noted that FcR-deficient mice (γ−/−) surviving from lethal initial damage still developed mesangial proliferative GN, which was drastically prevented by an AngII type 1 receptor (AT1) blocker. We further examined the mechanisms by which renin-Ang system (RAS) participates in this immune disease. Using bone marrow chimeras between γ−/− and AT1−/− mice, we found that glomerular injury in γ−/− mice was associated with CD4+ T cell infiltration depending on renal AT1-stimulation. Based on findings in cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity, we showed that AngII-activated renal resident cells are responsible for the recruitment of effector T cells. We next examined the chemotactic activity of AngII-stimulated mesangial cells, as potential mechanisms coupling RAS and cellular immunity. Chemotactic activity for T cells and Th1-associated chemokine (IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 and macrophage-inflammatory protein 1α) expression was markedly reduced in mesangial cells from AT1−/− mice. Moreover, this activity was mainly through calcineurin-dependent NF-AT. Although IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 was NF-κB-dependent, macrophage-inflammatory protein 1α was dominantly regulated by NF-AT. Furthermore, AT1-dependent NF-AT activation was observed in injured glomeruli by Southwestern histochemistry. In conclusion, our data indicate that local RAS activation, partly via the local NF-AT pathway, enhances the susceptibility to T cell-mediated injury in anti-glomerular basement membrane Ab-induced GN. This novel mechanism affords a rationale for the use of drugs interfering with RAS in immune renal diseases.
Modifying risk factors to prevent and treat erectile dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complaint in men over 40 years of age and prevalence rates increase with age. Comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and depression have been described as primary risk factors for the development of ED. Additionally, a number of modifiable lifestyle factors, including physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes control, and obesity, have been associated with ED. AIM The association of modifiable behavioral factors with ED, mainly among men without recognized comorbidities, opens the possibility for intervention strategies to prevent and potentially improve erectile function in patients suffering with ED. CONCLUSION While intriguing, most of the literature and evidence is not completely scientifically compelling as to how modifying lifestyle risk factors can improve erectile function. Weight loss may reverse ED through other mechanisms, namely, decreased inflammation, increased serum testosterone levels, and improved mood and self-esteem. Currently, the evidence at hand recommends that patient education should be aimed at increasing exercise, reducing weight to achieve a body mass index less than 30 kg/m(2), and stopping smoking to improve or restore erectile function, mainly in men without established comorbidities. When comorbidities are present, lifestyle modifications may be important in preventing or reducing sexual dysfunction. These modifications may include precise glycemic control in diabetic men and the use of pharmacologic therapies for hypertension and depression, which are less likely to cause sexual side effects.
Differences between inter- and intra-group dynamics in knowledge transfer processes

Purpose Knowledge transfer (KT) processes are important for building and sustaining competitive advantages and dynamic capabilities. Prior research often treats KT processes as a firm-level capability, assuming knowledge flows uniformly within a firm. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether such a view is too simplistic because it ignores potential differences between inter-group and intra-group KT processes within a firm. Design/methodology/approach The authors surveyed 137 software development professionals in a large Japanese electronics firm regarding co-workers who acted as critical sources of useful knowledge and the factors that affected KT within and across internal organizational boundaries. Using regression analysis, the authors test the extent to which factors such as the characteristics of the knowledge, the characteristics of the tie, and the characteristics of the network differentially affect KT within internal organizational boundaries vs across them. Findings The authors find that factors such as the accessibility of the knowledge source, network density, and collective teaching all help in transferring knowledge, while knowledge tacitness inhibit such transfers, but that the effect of these properties varies significantly depending on whether KT occurs across group boundaries. Originality/value Existing research on KT within firms tends to treat all such transfers as uniform, with little difference between the dynamics of within-group transfer and between-group transfer. This study establishes key differences in KT between and within organizational groups, demonstrating that managers need to consider internal boundaries when deploying tools and strategies for facilitating knowledge flows.
Anorexia and bulimia nervosa in same-sex and opposite-sex twins: lack of association with twin type in a nationwide study of Finnish twins.

OBJECTIVE The authors tested the hypothesis that either prenatal feminization or masculinization hormone influences in utero or later socialization affects the risk for anorexia and bulimia nervosa and disordered eating in members of opposite-sex twin pairs. METHOD Finnish twins (N=2,426 women, N=1,962 men with known zygosity) from birth cohorts born 1974-1979 were assessed at age 22 to 28 years with a questionnaire for eating disorder symptoms. Based on the questionnaire screen, women (N=292), men (N=53), and their cotwins were interviewed to assess diagnoses of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (per DSM-IV and broad criteria). RESULTS In women from opposite-sex twin pairs, the prevalence of DSM-IV or broad anorexia nervosa was not significantly different than that of women from monozygotic pairs or same-sex dizygotic pairs. Of the five male anorexia nervosa probands, only one was from an opposite-sex twin pair. Bulimia nervosa in men was too rare to be assessed by zygosity; the prevalence of DSM-IV or broad bulimia nervosa did not differ in women from opposite- versus same-sex twin pairs. In both sexes, the overall profile of indicators on eating disorders was rather similar between individuals from opposite- and same-sex pairs. CONCLUSIONS The authors found little evidence that the risk for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or disordered eating was associated with zygosity or sex composition of twin pairs, thus making it unlikely that in utero femininization or masculinization or socialization effects of growing up with an opposite-sex twin have a major influence on the later development of eating disorders.
Striatal progenitors derived from human ES cells mature into DARPP32 neurons in vitro and in quinolinic acid-lesioned rats

Substitutive cell therapy using fetal striatal grafts has demonstrated preliminary clinical success in patients with Huntington's disease, but the logistics required for accessing fetal cells preclude its extension to the relevant population of patients. Human embryonic stem (hES) cells theoretically meet this challenge, because they can be expanded indefinitely and differentiated into any cell type. We have designed an in vitro protocol combining substrates, media, and cytokines to push hES cells along the neural lineage, up to postmitotic neurons expressing striatal markers. The therapeutic potential of such hES-derived cells was further substantiated by their in vivo differentiation into striatal neurons following xenotransplantation into adult rats. Our results open the way toward hES cell therapy for Huntington's disease. Long-term proliferation of human neural progenitors leads, however, to xenograft overgrowth in the rat brain, suggesting that the path to the clinic requires a way to switch them off after grafting.
Management of the neck after alternating chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND To investigate neck control probability and the value of nodal response at completion of alternating chemoradiotherapy, a group of 43 patients was reviewed. METHODS Patients were treated with 60 Gy alternated with four cycles of cisplatin and fluorouracil. All patients had lymph nodes positive for squamous cell carcinoma from various primary sites, underwent computed tomography (CT) for staging and evaluation of response, and were treated at a single institution. Patients with bilateral lymph nodes (N2c) were further staged according to the side of dominant neck disease. RESULTS After chemoradiotherapy alone, 2-year neck control probabilities (NCP) are 86+/-13%, 58+/-10%, and 0 for N1, N2a/b, and N3 neck stages, respectively (p = .038). Two-year NCP for 25 complete responders is 85+/-8%, whereas, at the same time interval, it is 17+/-9% for 18 partial responses (p<.0001). Within patients with N1-2a/b neck disease, 21 complete responders had a 2-year NCP of 92+/-8%. Five (11%) heminecks in four patients developed severe (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group [RTOG] grade > 2) subcutaneous late reactions. CONCLUSIONS For patients with N1-2a/b neck disease, response at the end of treatment as evaluated by both physical exam and CT is a reliable criterion to select patients for complementary surgery even after chemoradiotherapy. For N3 disease, planned neck dissection regardless of response seems warranted.