Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Requirements for Fas-Associated Death Domain Signaling in Mature T Cell Activation and Survival1

Fas-associated death domain (FADD) is a death domain containing cytoplasmic adapter molecule required for the induction of apoptosis by death receptors. Paradoxically, FADD also plays a crucial role in the development and proliferation of T cells. Using T cells from mice expressing a dominant negative form of FADD (FADDdd), activation with anti-TCR Ab and costimulation or exogenous cytokines is profoundly diminished. This is also seen in wild-type primary T cells transduced with the same transgene, demonstrating that FADD signaling is required in normally differentiated T cells. The defective proliferation does not appear to be related to the early events associated with TCR stimulation. Rather, with a block in FADD signaling, stimulated T cells exhibit a high rate of cell death corresponding to the initiation of cell division. Although CD4 T cells exhibit a moderate deficiency, this effect is most profound in CD8 T cells. In vivo, the extent of this defective accumulation is most apparent; lymphocytic choriomenigitis virus-infected FADDdd-expressing mice completely fail to mount an Ag-specific response. These results show that, in a highly regulated fashion, FADD, and most likely caspases, can transduce either a signal for survival or one that leads directly to apoptosis and that the balance between these opposing outcomes is crucial to adaptive immunity.
Ethnicity, Age, and Trends in Alcohol-Related Driver Fatalities in the United States

Objective: To evaluate the 8-year ethnic-specific declining trend in the proportion of alcohol-impaired driver deaths in the United States. Methods: We used the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), which is a census of all fatal motor vehicle collisions occurring in public properties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico since 1975. For this study we only focused on driver fatalities. Data on ethnicity were not included in the FARS database until 1999, limiting the analysis to the years 1999–2006. Results: The proportion of alcohol-impaired driver deaths was higher among males compared to females, with Hispanics constituting the highest proportion in all age groups. During the past 8 years, only the decline in the proportion of alcohol-impaired driver deaths among male Hispanics 16–20 years old and male Whites 21–64 years old were significant. We were not able to identify any significant declining trend in the corresponding proportions among other age groups, or among female drivers, regardless of their age category. Conclusion: Though existing strategies have seemed to be successful in preventing an uptrend in alcohol-related fatal collisions in the country, their effectiveness in decreasing such incidents has been limited. Future studies should identify the factors that might influence the effectiveness of current anti–drunk driver policies.
What is the impact of a capital structure change on firms' human capital?

The aim of the present dissertation is to understand how changes in Capital Structure impact firms’ Human Capital, focusing essentially on average employees’ wages. To gauge this impact, it is analysed an unbalanced panel from the Euronext-100 Index, comprising a sample of 71 firms for the period 2000 to 2015. The empirical results using 1-year independent lagged variables, with fixed-effects model specifications, indicate that: i) Capital structure changes, leading to leverage increases, make employees worse off, implying wage reductions; ii) Distressed firms pay higher wages to their employees; iii) Firms within Labor Intensive industries pay higher wages than those within Non-Labor-Intensive industries; and iv) Wages are lower within countries providing higher average unemployment benefits. This study adds to the existing literature for two reasons: i) It tests the existing academic evidence regarding the relation between leverage and human capital for the European case, revealing that the positive effect usually found in the literature does not hold here; and ii) It reinforces the theoretical prediction that labor costs can be considered as a debt limiter. Professor Diana Bonfim
Scholarly communication trends in the digital age: Informal scholarly publishing and dissemination, a grounded theory approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate scholars’ attitudes toward informal publishing and dissemination to provide a view of the challenges and advantages of using such channels. Although considerable research has been carried out in relation to peer-reviewed scholarly publishing, relatively few studies have investigated the adoption of informal scholarly communication platforms in the scholarly publishing process. Design/methodology/approach – The paper deployed a grounded theory approach using semi-structured interviews as a qualitative research tool. A theoretical sample of 40 researchers in 4 universities were interviewed to gather data regarding informal publishing, platforms, factors that affect the researchers’ decision and the use of informal channels in dissemination. Findings – Results of the interviews suggest that there is an increasing trend among researchers toward informal publishing and dissemination throughout the scholarly communication cycle. The paper shows that there ar.
Financial intermediation and the rights offer paradox

This paper investigates the trading dynamics during the offer period of rights issues held on the French market from 1995 to 2006. We employ signed and unsigned trading activity measures in order to provide evidence of costly financial intermediation during this type of issue. We first document selling pressure applied by underwriters and shareholders leading to significant negative abnormal returns. Further, we provide evidence that rights tend to be sold on the open market below their fair value. Our results contribute to the resolution of the rights offer paradox by identifying additional indirect costs of rights related to the nature of constraints faced by underwriters and shareholders and to trading mistakes on the rights market.
A new distributed algorithm for the allocation of cognitive radio sensing times

In cognitive radio systems, the sparse assigned frequency bands are opened to secondary users. We consider the sensing of the frequency spectrum for cognitive radios, based on energy detection. It has been shown that the sensing reliability can be improved in the presence of fading by using several cooperating cognitive radios that exchange their individual sensing information to a coordinator node. The coordinator node combines the received information in order to make a decision about the primary network presence. The primary network sensing times used by the cognitive nodes should be chosen high enough to ensure the correct detection of the primary emitter but low enough so that the nodes still have enough time to communicate. In this paper, we propose a decentralized Q-Learning algorithm to allocate the sensing times of the cognitive radios in a way that maximizes the throughputs of the radios. A rigorous proof of the convergence of the proposed algorithm is provided. Numerical results show that it converges faster to the same throughputs as those obtained with a reference algorithm.
A PLANAR SELF-COMPLEMENTARY BOW-TIE ANTENNA FOR UWB APPLICATIONS

A new planar bow-tie antenna is proposed here for UWB applications. The self-complementary principle has been applied to a planar triangular monopole antenna along with bending the microstrip feed line. The antenna has a wider frequency band compared to the traditional bow-tie antenna, complies with the UWB requirements and it is directly matched to the (SMA) connector via 50› microstrip feed line. This antenna has a simple shape which overcomes the complicated matching techniques using baluns or impedance matching sections that are commonly used in bow-tie antennas for widening their limited bandwidths. Another improvement on this new bow- tie antenna is achieved through fractal self-similarity repetition of the triangular shape on each of the patch and its complimentary slot. The simulation results obtained from the CST and HFSS software packages are verifled by experimental measurements.
New PCT host to achieve high efficiency blue phosphorescent organic light emitting diode

A new organic host material, PCT comprising pyridine, carbazole and triazole moieties, was doped with a blue emitter bis[2-(4,6"difluorophenyl)pyridinato-C2,N](pico]inato)iridium(III) (FIrpic) to be an emitting layer (EML) of a phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes device (PhOLED). With various FIrpic concentration (12%, 15% and 18% by volume ratio) in the EML, a series of high efficiency blue PhOLED was demonstrated showing the external quantum efficiency over 20%.
The cooperative R&D based on research joint venture and enterprise R&D decision with spillover

This paper studies the cooperative R&D problems based on RJV (Research Joint Venture). The paper extends the framework of Wang model, and sets up a two-stage game model of cooperation research. The paper solves the game model and compares the effect of RJV cooperation research and general cooperation research, which would provide basis for the cooperative R&D decision option. The result shows that, without the considerations about the free-ride manufactures, RJV cooperative R&D is applicable when the technology spillover effect is relatively small, but if it is relatively large, the R&D cartel is applicable. If the free-ride manufactures are considered, the RJV cooperative R&D is applicable.
Business Issues in the 21st Century: An Empirical Study of E-Commerce Adoption in UK and Denmark SMEs

This chapter explores the business issues affecting the level of implementation of ecommerce adoption in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Results of a survey of 256 UK and 140 Danish small firms suggests those SMEs in both countries that have developed e-commerce capability have not done so strategically and have yet to enjoy significant cost and time savings. The survey also identifies the challenges faced by SMEs. Finally, the authors suggest paths that might be followed in seeking to achieve effective performance and wider adoption of commerce. This chapter appears in the book, Electronic Commerce in Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises: Frameworks, Issues and Implications, edited by Nabeel A.Y. Al-Qirim. Copyright © 2004, Idea Gr up Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING 54 Quayle and Christiansen Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. Context Business issues can be categorized into the drive for competitiveness, critical factors that emerge from that drive, and power relationships. Arguably all those issues affect one of the biggest strategic opportunities in business history, namely, e-commerce. The drive for competitiveness is influenced for example by instability of the U.S. economy, perpetual local wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the pace of technological change, fluctuating oil and fuel prices, and globalization per se. Allied to this instability is the desire for product/service improvements, cost reduction, and the efforts by major purchasers to push risk as far down the supply chain as they can. Critical factors emerge from the drive for competitiveness. These include the need for a strategic approach to business, utilizing new technologies, meeting the logistics demands of the 21 Century, and ensuring the workforce updates its skills in a timely manner. Anecdotal evidence suggests that partnerships and trust now take a backseat to the old-style adversarial relationships. All this occurs as organizations (often encouraged by national government) implement or consider implementing e-commerce, which potentially provides opportunities for coherent procurement, improving buyer-supplier relationships, and eliminating time zone obstacles. It is in this context that research in the UK and Denmark has been carried out.
Do we over treat mild hypertension?

The important question whether ‘mild’ hypertension should or should not be treated by drugs is difficult to answer, because the only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating this question were conducted when the definition of ‘mild’ hypertension was based on diastolic blood pressure only, whereas the present definition of grade 1 hypertension includes both systolic and diastolic values (SBP/DBP), and the concept of ‘mild’ hypertension also includes that of low-moderate cardiovascular risk (< 5% cardiovascular death rate in 5 years). Due to the lack of evidence from specific RCTs, guidelines recommend drug treatment of mild hypertension only on the basis of expert opinion. However, recent meta-analyses have provided some support to drug treatment intervention in low-moderate risk grade 1 hypertensives and have shown that, when treatment is deferred until organ damage or cardiovascular disease occur, absolute residual risk (events occurring despite treatment) markedly increases. Although evidence favoring therapeutic intervention in mild hypertension is nowadays stronger than expert opinion, meta-analyses are not substitutes for specific RCTs, and the wide BP spans defining grade 1 hypertension as well as the span defining low-moderate risk leave a wide space for individualized or personalized decisions.
HIGH-ENERGY NON-THERMAL AND THERMAL EMISSION FROM GRB 141207A DETECTED BY FERMI

A bright long gamma-ray burst GRB 141207A was observed by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and detected by both instruments onboard. The observations show that the spectrum in the prompt phase is not well described by the canonical empirical Band function alone, and that an additional power-law component is needed. In the early phase of the prompt emission, a modified blackbody with a hard low-energy photon index (α = +0.2 to +0.4) is detected, which suggests a photospheric origin. In a finely time-resolved analysis, the spectra are also well fitted by the modified blackbody combined with a power-law function. We discuss the physical parameters of the photosphere such as the bulk Lorentz factor of the relativistic flow and the radius. We also discuss the physical origin of the extra power-law component observed during the prompt phase in the context of different models such as leptonic and hadronic scenarios in the internal shock regime and synchrotron emission in the external forward shock. In the afterglow phase, the temporal and spectral behaviors of the temporally extended high-energy emission and the fading X-ray emission detected by the X-Ray Telescope on-board Swift are consistent with synchrotron emission in a radiative external forward shock.
Randomized, open-label, phase III study comparing patupilone (EPO906) with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in platinum-refractory or -resistant patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, primary fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.

PURPOSE This study compared the efficacy and safety of patupilone with those of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in patients with platinum-refractory or -resistant epithelial ovarian, primary fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with three or fewer prior regimens were eligible if they had received first-line taxane/platinum-based combination chemotherapy and were platinum refractory or resistant. Patients were randomly assigned to receive patupilone (10 mg/m(2) intravenously every 3 weeks) or PLD (50 mg/m(2) intravenously every 4 weeks). RESULTS A total of 829 patients were randomly assigned (patupilone, n = 412; PLD, n = 417). There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS), the primary end point, between the patupilone and PLD arms (P = .195; hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.09), with median OS rates of 13.2 and 12.7 months, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 3.7 months for both arms. The overall response rate (all partial responses) was higher in the patupilone arm than in the PLD arm (15.5% v 7.9%; odds ratio, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.36 to 3.29), although disease control rates were similar (59.5% v 56.3%, respectively). Frequently observed adverse events (AEs) of any grade included diarrhea (85.3%) and peripheral neuropathy (39.3%) in the patupilone arm and mucositis/stomatitis (43%) and hand-foot syndrome (41.8%) in the PLD arm. CONCLUSION Patupilone did not demonstrate significant improvement in OS compared with the active control, PLD. No new or unexpected serious AEs were identified.
Implementing Beyond Budgeting Unlocking The Performance Potential

Thank you for downloading implementing beyond budgeting unlocking the performance potential. As you may know, people have search hundreds times for their chosen novels like this implementing beyond budgeting unlocking the performance potential, but end up in malicious downloads. Rather than enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, instead they juggled with some harmful virus inside their computer.
Entrepreneurial orientation, absorptive capacity, market orientation and technological innovation capabalities of SMEs in Kurdistan, Iraq

Innovation capabilities have become an important component for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the industrial sector to cope with intense competition and to meet customers’ needs. Due to inconsistency in the findings of previous studies on the antecedent factors that may influence these capabilities, this study intended to empirically examine the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation, absorptive capacity, market orientation, and technological innovation capabilities among the industrial SMEs in an unstable environment, and also to determine whether market orientation has a mediating role in the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, absorptive capacity, and technological innovation capabilities . This study adopted the Resource-Based Theory as an underpinning theory for its assumptions and to develop its model. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the industrial SMEs owners in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. A total of 432 innovative enterprises were involved in this study, making an overall 63.9% response rate. This study utilized the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to establish the validity and reliability of the measurement model and to test the relationships. The outcomes of this study show that both absorptive capacity and entrepreneurial orientation have significant influences on technological innovation capabilities. Furthermore, the results indicate that market orientation has a partial mediating role in the nexus between absorptive capacity and technological innovation capabilities, but it has not been found to mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and technological innovation capabilities. This study offers theoretical and practical contributions for academics and professionals. The limitations of the study have been addressed and some valuable suggestions for future research work are offered.
GPU-Based 3D Video Object Synthesis and Its Quality Assessment

We present an algorithm and its implementation on a GPU for the view synthesis of 3D video objects. The algorithm is based on the theory of trifocal transfer using dense depth information of two cameras. We present issues that arise when using the pipeline architecture of the GPU for non-computer graphics algorithms and introduce approaches how to solve these problems with focus on our application. In order to assess the quality achieved by the algorithm, we present a method for generating ground truth both for synthetic and real imagery. We present first results of subjective tests for quality evaluation.
Integrated ecological modelling for decision support in the integrated urban water system modelling of the Drava river (Varazdin, Croatia)

Legal physical-chemical emission limits are traditionally used for assessing the effectiveness of urban sanitation infrastructure. However, the receiving water’s ecological aspects are disregarded with this conventional approach. European legislation (i.e. Water Framework Directive-WFD) now has an integrated approach of river management, which considers the concept of ecological status. Furthermore, the WFD urges the adoption of a combined analysis of emission limits values and physical-chemical and ecological aspects of the receiving waters and encourage the availability and use of decision support tools for water management such as simulation models. Croatia has signed agreements to join the European Union (EU) and thus taken up the obligation to coordinate its legislation with EU standards, such as the implementation of the WFD for its investments in the construction and upgrading of WWTPs. Thus, Croatia needs a simulation tool that allows assessing the impact of WWTPs discharges on the water quality of rivers, considering physical–chemical and ecological aspects. During the last decade the water quality of the Drava river in Croatia has been affected by an increased demand of electricity production and its misuse as receiving aquatic ecosystem of controlled and uncontrolled discharges of waste from agricultural, urban or industrial activities. This paper presents an integration of wastewater treatment, river water quality and quantity and ecological assessment models to study the effect of upgrading a WWTP in the city of Varazdin and its ecological effects for the receiving river, the Drava river. The paper explains the integrated modelling framework and provides some illustrations of its application. Three scenarios for pollution control in the study area were evaluated with the integrated model. The scenario assessment showed that the upgrading of the WWTP, with Nitrogen and Phosphorous removal, is not enough to reach good ecological water quality in this river, therefore, other point and diffuse pollution sources should be controlled in the area. The integrated modelling framework is flexible enough to be used in conjunction with different approaches/models and can be applied to any river basin. More data should be collected and more variables should be included in an optimization of these models.
A Particle‐Grid Method for Opaque Ice Formation

This paper presents a particle‐grid method to simulate the generation of opaque ice which has air bubbles in it. Water temperature is diffused over a grid, and the exchange of dissolved air between ice and water particles is simulated. We render a particle as an air bubble if it has sufficient air. Otherwise, it is treated as a cloudy volume by distributing air into dissolved air field when the final state has been reached. In addition, our method includes a model in which heat transfer rate may change across the grid. Unlike previous models which could generate an ice volume of only fixed shapes, our approach uses signed distance function (SDF) to generate opaque ice volumes stored in containers of various geometric shapes and can render needle‐shaped or egg‐shaped bubbles.
Strategic Fragmented Markets

We study the determinants of asset market fragmentation. We develop a model of market formation in which investors with heterogeneous valuations for an asset trade strategically. When choosing a dealer with whom to trade, investors trade off the lower price impact and the steeper competition for the dealer's liquidity offered by a larger market. When the correlation among investor valuations is high, the increase in competition dominates the decrease in price impact and investors prefer to trade in a smaller market, which makes market fragmentation an equilibrium outcome. Fragmented market structures can Pareto dominate centralized ones and can exhibit higher trading volumes.