Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating early dementia with and without assessment of regional cerebral metabolism by PET: a comparison of predicted costs and benefits.

UNLABELLED Evaluating dementia in patients with early symptoms of cognitive decline is clinically challenging. Growing evidence indicates that appropriate incorporation of PET into the clinical work-up can improve diagnostic and prognostic accuracy with respect to Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia in the geriatric population. The precise diagnostic role of PET and its economic impact in this context, however, have not been systematically examined previously. METHODS We compared the relative value of 2 strategies for assessing whether early AD is responsible for cognitive symptoms in geriatric patients: (a) a conventional approach, based largely on establishing clinical criteria for the presence of dementia and excluding non-AD etiologies that could contribute to the patient's symptoms, and (b) a proposed approach using PET to examine regional cerebral metabolism and look for characteristic patterns of abnormal metabolism. The total costs (measured in dollars) and benefits (measured in number of accurate diagnoses) of diagnostic testing and clinical outcomes accruing to each strategy were calculated using formalized tools of decision analysis. The primary outcome measure by which the strategies were compared was the ratio of costs to benefits obtained following each approach. RESULTS Following the proposed approach led to improved accuracy in identifying early AD, without adding to the overall costs of diagnosis and treatment ($3,433 vs. $3,564 per patient approached by the proposed or conventional algorithm, respectively). The strategy making use of PET was associated with a reduced rate of false-negative and false-positive findings compared with the conventional approach (3.1% vs. 8.2% and 12.0% vs. 23.0%, respectively, at a prevalence of 51.6% in the studied symptomatic population) and a cost savings of $1,138 per correct diagnosis rendered ($4,047 vs. $5,185). The lower cost per unit benefit for the proposed strategy was maintained over a wide range of tested values for variables of sensitivity, specificity, costs of PET and long-term care, and varying approaches to the use of structural neuroimaging. CONCLUSION Appropriate use of PET for evaluating early dementia in geriatric patients can add valuable information to the clinical work-up, without adding to the overall costs of evaluation and management, resulting in a greater number of patients being accurately diagnosed for the same level of financial expenditure. Thus, the opportunity exists for diminishing the morbidity of dementia economically, with earlier institution of more appropriate management in evaluated patients.
Lifestyle and service quality : an analysis of family run hotels in Chiangmai Province, Thailand

Globally, the provision of accommodation is dominated by family run businesses (Getz and Carlsen, 2005). Family businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry are significant in terms of numbers, economic value, and longevity. The visions and goals of the owners are different from those of other entrepreneurs, in the tourism and hospitality industry (Carland, Hoy, Boulton and Carland, 1984). However, scant academic research on family run hotels has been published. Since 1980 service quality has been a significant issue within tourism and hospitality, following the pattern set by the manufacturing industries (Johns, 1996). Hayes, Ninemeier and Miller (2011) argued that service quality is an important factor in customers’ perceived experience of hotel operations; thus, a better understanding of customer expectations within tourism and hospitality is potentially valuable for both practitioners and researchers. This is particularly true in Thailand, where tourism is a primary source of national income. Therefore, the overall aim of this research project is to develop a quality assurance model enabling Thai family run hotels to identify strengths and opportunities to improve their practices aligned with their motivations. Phase One of the research critically appraised the visions and goals of Chiangmai family run hotels. Phase Two examined the business environment of the hotels in terms of the implementation of quality assurance principles. In order to ascertain their customer expectations, Phase Three comprised of administering modified SERVQUAL questionnaire to their international guests. The results to the first phase revealed that family run businesses dominate the hotel sector in Chiangmai. These enterprises are motivated by three factors: lifestyle, concerning with their descendants, and keeping the business modest. Phase Two data identified a low level of quality assurance engagement in these family run hotels. Based on their own perceptions of the quality required, these hotel operators employ an inside-out approach; they design and communicate service specification via social media without investigating customer expectations. The findings from Phase Three showed that the dimension of “Competitiveness” is the most important. The thesis findings enabled the researcher to develop a generic model of quality assurance for family run hotels contributing to the body of knowledge.
Identification of the fibroblast growth factor receptor in human vascular endothelial cells

The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor of human umbilical vein‐derived endothelial (HUE) cells has been identified by affinity labeling. It has an apparent molecular weight of 130,000. It binds both basic and acidic FGF, but not with epidermal growth factor, insulin, or transferrin. The lectin concanavalin‐A does not inhibit the binding of 125l‐bFGF to HUE cell‐surface receptors, whereas it inhibits bFGF binding to BHK‐21 cell‐surface FGF receptor. This suggests that both types of receptors may differ in their degree of glycosylation. In contrast to other cell types, heparin only slightly inhibits the binding of basic FGF to its receptor. Protamine sulfate, which is anti‐angiogenic in vivo, and suramin, a drug used in the therapy of trypanosomiasis and onchocerciasis, also inhibit the binding of basic FGF to the receptor.
GPU based simulator of ultrasound pressure fields

Simulation of ultrasound pressure fields is representative computationally demanding algorithm. In order to get results back in finite time, the number of source points and observation points are often limited. The introduction of graphics processing unit (GPU) can significantly speed up this algorithm. We implemented the simulator which based on the same principle as the Ultrasim toolbox, where spherical waves responses from several point sources are accumulated in a set of observation points, hence solving the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld integral. For each calculation at a given observation point is independent of the result at all other observation points, the problem is therefore perfect for GPU computing. Compared with Ultrasim we give a 400 times speedup when simulating on 150K observation points.
The balance sheet channel of monetary policy transmission: evidence from the UK

This paper examines the sensitivity of investment to cash flow using a panel of UK firms in manufacturing with a view to shedding some light on the existence of a balance sheet channel or financial accelerator. In addition to examining the impact of cash flow in different subsamples based on company size or financial policy (dividend payouts, share issues and debt accumulation), we also investigate the extent to which investment becomes more sensitive to cash flow in periods of monetary tightness. To this end, we employ a monetary tightness indicator constructed for the UK using the narrative approach pioneered by Romer and Romer. The results provide some support for the view that UK firms show greater investment sensitivity to cash flow during periods of tight monetary policy.
The complete chloroplast genome of Kolkwitzia amabilis (Caprifoliaceae), an endangered horticultural plant in China

abstract The complete chloroplast genome of Kolkwitzia amabilis (Caprifoliaceae) is first presented in the current study. The cp genome of K. amabilis was 156 875 bp in length and composed of two short inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions of 23 946 bp which were separated by a small single copy (SSC) region of 18 846 bp and a large single copy (LSC) region of 90 137 bp. The genome encoded 130 genes contained 81 coding genes, 39 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall AT content of K. amabilis is 61.6% and the corresponding values of the SSC, LSC and IR regions are 66.8%, 64.1%, and 57.3%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis based on the maximum parsimony tree revealed that K. amabilis was closely related to Lonicera japonica.
Internationalization of the Reinsurance Industry: An Analysis of the Net Exposure of Reinsurers

In today’s global marketplace, the internationalization decision has become increasingly relevant for a greater number of firms. We use the framework of the eclectic paradigm to empirically investigate the decision of U.S. reinsurers to internationalize based on their net exposure in both developed and developing nations. The reinsurance industry poses an interesting setting to study internationalization as we can measure the net exposure in a county given the requirements to report both ceded and assumed reinsurance. This allows for a better measure of the overall exposure reinsurers have in a given country. Of particular interest in exploring internationalization are the diversification benefits as well as the potential impact of free-trade initiatives and the economic development of the host country. We find that the characteristics impacting net reinsurance exposure vary based on the characteristics of the countries.
Short-Term Persistence in Greek Mutual Fund Performance

This paper investigates the short-term performance of Greek mutual funds. We hypothesise that the returns earned by mutual fund managers are either due to their capacity in selecting successful investments ex-ante, i.e. 'selectivity', or due to their ability to increase (decrease) their exposure to market risk prior to a bullish (bearish) market, i.e. 'market timing'. Contrary to prior studies in the Greek mutual fund industry we set up our screening processes so that both stock picking and market timing ability could be identified. We carry out a battery of tests - non-parametric and parametric - to test our hypotheses. Our analysis shows that mutual fund performance does not persist over short term horizons of any kind, i.e. monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly. These findings are robust when we use alternative settings in our empirical experiments.
Cloning of the Escherichia coli sor genes for L-sorbose transport and metabolism and physical mapping of the genes near metH and iclR

The sor genes for L-sorbose (Sor) degradation of Escherichia coli EC3132, a wild-type strain, have been cloned on a 10.8-kbp fragment together with parts of the metH gene. The genes were mapped by restriction analysis, by deletion mapping, and by insertion mutagenesis with Tn1725. Seven sor genes with their corresponding gene products have been identified. They form an operon (gene order sorCpCDFBAME) inducible by L-sorbose, and their products have the following functions: SorC (36 kDa), regulatory protein with repressor-activator functions; SorD (29 kDa), D-glucitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; SorF and SorB (14 and 19 kDa, respectively), and SorA and SorM (27 and 29 kDa, respectively), two soluble and two membrane-bound proteins, respectively, of an L-sorbose phosphotransferase transport system; SorE (45 kDa), sorbose-1-phosphate reductase. The sor operon from E. coli EC3132 thus is identical to the operon from Klebsiella pneumoniae KAY2026. On the basis of restriction mapping followed by Southern hybridization experiments, the sor genes were mapped at 91.2 min on the chromosome, 3.3 kbp downstream of the metH-iclR gene cluster, and shown to be transcribed in a counterclockwise direction. The chromosomal map of the Sor+ strain EC3132 differs from that of the Sor- strain K-12 in approximately 8.6 kbp.
Phosphorylated CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein β Contributes to Rat HIV-Related Neuropathic Pain: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Chronic pain is increasingly recognized as an important comorbidity of HIV-infected patients, however, the exact molecular mechanisms of HIV-related pain are still elusive. CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs) are expressed in various tissues, including the CNS. C/EBPβ, one of the C/EBPs, is involved in the progression of HIV/AIDS, but the exact role of C/EBPβ and its upstream factors are not clear in HIV pain state. Here, we used a neuropathic pain model of perineural HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 application onto the rat sciatic nerve to test the role of phosphorylated C/EBPβ (pC/EBPβ) and its upstream pathway in the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH). HIV gp120 induced overexpression of pC/EBPβ in the ipsilateral SCDH compared with contralateral SCDH. Inhibition of C/EBPβ using siRNA against C/EBPβ reduced mechanical allodynia. HIV gp120 also increased TNFα, TNFRI, mitochondrial superoxide (mtO2·−), and pCREB in the ipsilateral SCDH. ChIP-qPCR assay showed that pCREB enrichment on the C/EBPβ gene promoter regions in rats with gp120 was higher than that in sham rats. Intrathecal TNF soluble receptor I (functionally blocking TNFα bioactivity) or knockdown of TNFRI using antisense oligodeoxynucleotide against TNFRI reduced mechanical allodynia, and decreased mtO2·−, pCREB and pC/EBPβ. Intrathecal Mito-tempol (a mitochondria-targeted O2·−scavenger) reduced mechanical allodynia and decreased pCREB and pC/EBPβ. Knockdown of CREB with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide against CREB reduced mechanical allodynia and lowered pC/EBPβ. These results suggested that the pathway of TNFα/TNFRI–mtO2·−–pCREB triggers pC/EBPβ in the HIV gp120-induced neuropathic pain state. Furthermore, we confirmed the pathway using both cultured neurons treated with recombinant TNFα in vitro and repeated intrathecal injection of recombinant TNFα in naive rats. This finding provides new insights in the understanding of the HIV neuropathic pain mechanisms and treatment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy is a neurological complication of HIV infection. Phosphorylated C/EBPβ (pC/EBPβ) influences AIDS progression, but it is still not clear about the exact role of pC/EBPβ and the detailed upstream factors of pC/EBPβ in HIV-related pain. In a neuropathic pain model of perineural HIV gp120 application onto the sciatic nerve, we found that pC/EBPβ was triggered by TNFα/TNFRI–mtO2·−–pCREB signaling pathway. The pathway was confirmed by using cultured neurons treated with recombinant TNFα in vitro, and by repeated intrathecal injection of recombinant TNFα in naive rats. The present results revealed the functional significance of TNFα/TNFRI–mtO2·−–pCREB–pC/EBPβ signaling in HIV neuropathic pain, and should help in the development of more specific treatments for neuropathic pain.
Direct-Elevator: A modified routing algorithm for 3D-NoCs

In this paper, a Three-Dimensional (3D) flexible routing algorithm is proposed for generic 3D Network-on-Chip (NoC). The proposed approach, Direct-Elevator, is based on the Elevator-First Algorithm which is independent of the network topology, number of interconnects and placement of interconnects. Direct-Elevator is tailored for 3D-NoC structures, offering a lower communication latency than its predecessor. The proposed approach paves the route for finding the optimal configuration of 3D network topology and different hard and soft router implementations for 3D-NoC based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA).
B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator Exhibits Structural and Expression Polymorphisms and Is Highly Induced in Anergic CD4+ T Cells 1

B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) was initially identified as expressed on Th1 cells and B cells, but recently reported to be expressed by macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells as well. To address this discrepancy we generated a panel of BTLA-specific mAbs and characterized BTLA expression under various activation conditions. We report the existence of three distinct BTLA alleles among 23 murine strains, differing both in Ig domain structure and cellular distribution of expression on lymphoid subsets. The BALB/c and MRL/lpr alleles differ at one amino acid residue, but C57BL/6 has nine additional differences and alters the predicted cysteine bonding pattern. The BALB/c BTLA allele is also expressed by B cells, T cells, and dendritic cells, but not macrophages or NK cells. However, C57BL/6 BTLA is expressed on CD11b+ macrophages and NK cells. Finally, in CD4+ T cells, BTLA is expressed most highly following Ag-specific induction of anergy in vivo, and unlike programmed death-1 and CTLA-4, not expressed by CD25+ regulatory T cells. These results clarify discrepancies regarding BTLA expression, suggest that structural and expression polymorphisms be considered when analyzing BTLA in various murine backgrounds, and indicate a possible role in anergic CD4+ T cells.
Student perceptions regarding the new training programme for chartered accountants

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) recently introduced a competency-based accreditation process for chartered accountants (CAs). This changed the structure of the practical training period or ‘articles’ (which is now called the CA 2010 training programme). The new training programme has an increased focus on developing ‘pervasive skills’ (which include personal and professional skills, such as leadership, communication and ethics), and allows trainees to gain detailed experience in a specific focus area. Students, who would be affected by these changes, were surveyed regarding their perceptions of this new training programme. The students were positive about the focus on pervasive skills. However, many felt that the changes (especially the elective focus area) were communicated too late, as they had already signed with auditing firms, and would be forced into an auditing focus area. Many students were worried about possible changes to Part II of the Qualifying Examination (QE 2).
Household Rates of Return to Education in Rural Bangladesh: Accounting for Direct Costs, Child Labor, and Option Value

This study estimates the returns to boys' education for rural Bangladeshi households by accounting for some conventionally neglected items: direct costs of education, foregone child labour earnings, and option value. The estimated returns are 13.5% for primary education, 7.8% for junior-secondary education, 12.9% for higher-secondary education, and 9.7% for higher education; the resulting option value from primary education is 5.3%. These results suggest that there is economic rationale for non-poor rural households to invest in boys' education, especially at the primary level.
A Crowd-sourced Knowledge Management Approach to Language Preservation and Revitalization: the Case of TE Reo MāORI

Many linguists claim as many as half of the world’s nearly 7,105 languages spoken today could disappear by the end of this century. When a language becomes extinct, communities lose their cultural identity and practices tied to a language` and intellectual wealth. Preservation of endangered languages is critical, but a challenging effort. A language is not preserved and revitalized by just documenting, archiving and developing shared resources. The revitalization is highly dependent on reviving the language among the youth. Te Reo Māori is the native language of the indigenous Polynesian population of New Zealand, who are known as Māori. Māori widely believe that Te Reo Māori is the cornerstone of their culture and identity. Te Reo Māori is considered an endangered language. The continuous decline of active Māori speakers motivates this study to adopt new mediums in order to reverse this language shift and revitalize Te Reo Māori. Current language revitalization initiatives focus predominately on language learning rather than issues of preservation and curation. Moreover, there is limited research on models, frameworks, and/or architectures for the design and implementation of a holistic crowd sourced knowledge management system to revitalize endangered languages. The main objective of this research is to propose and implement concepts, models, processes, frameworks, and architecture for the holistic capturing, curating, accessing and learning (use) of endangered languages with a particular focus on Te Reo Māori. This research is based on a design science multi-methodological approach, which consists of multiple phases - observation, theory building, system development and experimentation. The design science artifacts will be generalised to help revitalize other endangered languages including non- Roman script based languages.
Context-based connectivity over multi-virtual Wireless Mesh Networks: Analytical study

The flexibility and self-organization properties of Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs), and the benefits arising from the split of a physical network in several context-aware Virtual Networks (VNs), are a two-fold force to deal with the huge heterogeneity of user requirements and network resources in a future Internet architecture. In this scope, we provide a novel context-aware architecture for WMNs, which supports user requirements on demand by the deployment of several adaptable VNs for different context-aware purposes. In this paper, we present an analytical model for the proposed architecture. We aim to provide and define the limits of our multi-VN approach, in terms of the number of VNs, attached mesh clients, and virtual nodes per VN, in order to accomplish feasible delays for different data or control communication requirements. Moreover, we describe and evaluate, based on a probabilistic approach, the delays involved in user connectivity establishment, which includes several management processes for the discovery, extension and update of one fitting VN for a user. Through a delay-based approach, our analytical results show the effectiveness of our architecture to deal with different communication requirements, and with distinct scenarios for user connectivity establishment.
Human Resource Management and Knowledge Management

In order for having a sustainable competitive advantage, organizations are generally recognizing the crucial importance of knowledge management as a competitive weapon to exile in the global competition. Accordingly, it is a must to consider the impact of such a notion towards the theory and practice of management in general and other functional areas like HRM in particular. To effectively manage and gain significant contribution of knowledge and knowledge workers for organizational performance, organizations tend to use effective HR practices and strategies in knowledge management. In this regard, the objective of this study is to describe and analyze the theories and existing practices of human resource management and knowledge management via literature reviews. According to this paper, organizations are generally recognizing the crucial importance of knowledge and knowledge management as a competitive weapon to exile in the global competition. Such trend challenges the traditional HRM in considerable ways more than ever before. Beyond its consideration of the challenges posed to HRM in general, this paper has tried to address the transformation needed by the major functional areas of HRM in such a way that they are going to respond to these challenges.
Maintenance Practices in Indian Manufacturing Companies

Maintenance is an integral part of any manufacturing organization and has become increasingly important in obtaining competitive advantage. Some of the managers are not aware of different maintenance strategies and are unable to reap maximum benefit from it. This paper is an effort to identify different maintenance practices followed in Indian manufacturing industries and what are the advantages and disadvantages associated with it. Moreover, future recommendations based on the study are given.