Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proactive orientation effects on product innovation activities: Empirical evidence

Do the antecedents and outcomes of a proactive market orientation contribute significantly to enable the discrimination of firms according to their product innovation results? An empirical investigation of 2,038 Spanish firms, stratified by sector of activity and size, reveal two interesting conclusions. First, the philosophical principles that determine a proactive market orientation and its strategic implications also foster the development of new products. Second, the firm’s sector of activity determines the strength of each antecedent factor. This article therefore provides strategic recommendations for improving the management of innovation processes.
Factors associated with severe late toxicity after concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced head and neck cancer: an RTOG analysis.

PURPOSE Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) increases both local tumor control and toxicity. This study evaluates clinical factors that are associated with and might predict severe late toxicity after CCRT. METHODS Patients were analyzed from a subset of three previously reported Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) trials of CCRT for locally advanced SCCHN (RTOG 91-11, 97-03, and 99-14). Severe late toxicity was defined in this secondary analysis as chronic grade 3 to 4 pharyngeal/laryngeal toxicity (RTOG/European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer late toxicity scoring system) and/or requirement for a feeding tube >or= 2 years after registration and/or potential treatment-related death (eg, pneumonia) within 3 years. Case-control analysis was performed, with a multivariable logistic regression model that included pretreatment and treatment potential factors. RESULTS A total of 230 patients were assessable for this analysis: 99 patients with severe late toxicities and 131 controls; thus, 43% of assessable patients had a severe late toxicity. On multivariable analysis, significant variables correlated with the development of severe late toxicity were older age (odds ratio 1.05 per year; P = .001); advanced T stage (odds ratio, 3.07; P = .0036); larynx/hypopharynx primary site (odds ratio, 4.17; P = .0041); and neck dissection after CRT (odds ratio, 2.39; P = .018). CONCLUSION Severe late toxicity after CCRT is common. Older age, advanced T-stage, and larynx/hypopharynx primary site were strong independent risk factors. Neck dissection after CCRT was associated with an increased risk of these complications.
A Cluster Head Selection Algorithm Adopting Sensing-Awareness and Sensor Density for Wireless Sensor Networks

Due to the limited resources of sensor nodes, an energyefficient routing algorithm of Wireless Sensor Networks is considered as one of the most important issues in improving network lifetime. To resolve this issue, several routing algorithms have been suggested, but the published studies have mainly focused on minimizing distances between sensor nodes or the number of hops. These researches have also assumed that all the sensor nodes participate in the sensing task. In this paper, we propose a new cluster head selection algorithm focusing on both the density of sensor nodes and sensing-awareness that has not been considered yet in other existing researches on cluster-based routing scheme. In the real sensor network environment, only a part of sensor nodes participates in data reporting, so consideration of sensing-awareness in a routing algorithm will have effect on network efficiency. Moreover, the density of sensor nodes that has resulted from geographical location of sensor nodes can be an important factor in cluster head selection. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm, by considering these 2 factors simultaneously, reduces energy consumption and enhances network lifetime.
Broadly Tunable and Low-Threshold Cr4+:YAG Crystal Fiber Laser

We demonstrate a Cr4+:YAG crystal fiber laser tunable from 1353 to 1509 nm using a birefringent filter and with a threshold pump power of 70 mW operating at room temperature. It was found that the coupling loss between the crystal fiber and the collimator due to lens aberration is critical to the fiber laser performance and can be reduced by choosing an aspheric lens with a short focal length. The crystal fiber gain was optimized by aligning the pump polarization to the crystal axis with the highest gain. The advantages of the crystal fiber compared to the bulk crystals include reduced pump threshold due to light confinement and better thermal dissipation due to high surface area-to-volume ratio. The temperature rise of the crystal fiber with a 400-mW incident peak pump power with a duty cycle of 5% was only 1.7 °C using passive cooling. This low-threshold crystal fiber laser is suitable for the application as a tunable seed laser for the power amplifier chain.
Kinetic Mechanism of the Histone Acetyltransferase GCN5 from Yeast*

The transcriptional coactivator GCN5 from yeast (yGCN5) is a histone acetyltransferase that is essential for activation of target genes. GCN5 is a member of a large family of histone acetyltransferases that are conserved between yeast and humans. To understand the molecular mechanisms of histone/protein acetylation, a detailed kinetic analysis was performed. Bi-substrate kinetic analysis using acetyl-coenzyme A (AcCoA) and an H3 histone synthetic peptide indicated that both substrates must bind to form a ternary complex before catalysis. Product inhibition studies revealed that the product CoA was a competitive inhibitor versus AcCoA. Desulfo-CoA, a dead-end inhibitor, also demonstrated simple competitive inhibition versus AcCoA. Acetylated (Lys14Ac) H3 peptide displayed noncompetitive inhibition against both H3 peptide and AcCoA. These results support a sequential ternary complex (ordered Bi-Bi) kinetic mechanism, where AcCoA binds first, followed by H3 histone. Acetylated (Lys14Ac) H3 product is released first, and CoA is the last product to leave. Also, two methods were developed to measure the binding affinities of AcCoA/CoA for GCN5. Employing the fluorescent CoA analog etheno-CoA (εCoA, 1-N 6-etheno-CoA), aK d for εCoA of 5.1 ± 1.1 μmwas determined by fluorescence anisotropy. This value was similar to the K d value of 8.5 ± 2.6 μmfor AcCoA obtained using equilibrium dialysis and to theK i (inhibition constant) of 6.7 μmfor CoA obtained from steady-state kinetic assays. Together, these data suggest that the acetyl moiety of AcCoA contributes little to the binding energy.
SK4 channels modulate Ca2+ signalling and cell cycle progression in murine breast cancer

Oncogenic signalling via Ca2+‐activated K+ channels of intermediate conductance (SK4, also known as KCa3.1 or IK) has been implicated in different cancer entities including breast cancer. Yet, the role of endogenous SK4 channels for tumorigenesis is unclear. Herein, we generated SK4‐negative tumours by crossing SK4‐deficient (SK4 KO) mice to the polyoma middle T‐antigen (PyMT) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (cNeu) breast cancer models in which oncogene expression is driven by the retroviral promoter MMTV. Survival parameters and tumour progression were studied in cancer‐prone SK4 KO in comparison with wild‐type (WT) mice and in a syngeneic orthotopic mouse model following transplantation of SK4‐negative or WT tumour cells. SK4 activity was modulated by genetic or pharmacological means using the SK4 inhibitor TRAM‐34 in order to establish the role of breast tumour SK4 for cell growth, electrophysiological signalling, and [Ca2+]i oscillations. Ablation of SK4 and TRAM‐34 treatment reduced the SK4‐generated current fraction, growth factor‐dependent Ca2+ entry, cell cycle progression and the proliferation rate of MMTV‐PyMT tumour cells. In vivo, PyMT oncogene‐driven tumorigenesis was only marginally affected by the global lack of SK4, whereas tumour progression was significantly delayed after orthotopic implantation of MMTV‐PyMT SK4 KO breast tumour cells. However, overall survival and progression‐free survival time in the MMTV‐cNeu mouse model were significantly extended in the absence of SK4. Collectively, our data from murine breast cancer models indicate that SK4 activity is crucial for cell cycle control. Thus, the modulation of this channel should be further investigated towards a potential improvement of existing antitumour strategies in human breast cancer.
Facilitating Innovations in Higher Education in Transition Economies.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse innovations in education from the point of view of product content and markets selected. Emerging market economies face a number of problems many of which are closely linked to and dependent upon the effectiveness of higher professional education. External environment changes, such as the formation of knowledge economy, globalisation, changes in the educational needs of consumers as well as new technological advances and growing competition require a different scale of innovations in higher education.Design/methodology/approach – The authors provide research results generated by three waves of expert interviews and several surveys.Findings – Economies in transition set special and very challenging tasks to the higher education system. It needs to be flexible enough to provide high quality services to meet the changing needs of a transition economy and still be able to carry our its social and humanitarian functions. A strategic marketing approach can be us.
Molecular architecture of the stria vascularis membrane transport system, which is essential for physiological functions of the mammalian cochlea

Stria vascularis of the mammalian cochlea transports K+ to establish the electrochemical property in the endolymph crucial for hearing. This epithelial tissue also transports various small molecules. To clarify the profile of proteins participating in the transport system in the stria vascularis, membrane components purified from the stria of adult rats were analysed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Of the 3236 proteins detected in the analysis, 1807 were membrane proteins. Ingenuity Knowledge Base and literature data identified 513 proteins as being expressed on the ‘plasma membrane’, these included 25 ion channels and 79 transporters. Sixteen of the former and 62 of the latter had not yet been identified in the stria. Unexpectedly, many Cl− and Ca2+ transport systems were found, suggesting that the dynamics of these ions play multiple roles. Several transporters for organic substances were also detected. Network analysis demonstrated that a few kinases, including protein kinase A, and Ca2+ were key regulators for the strial transports. In the library of channels and transporters, 19 new candidates for uncloned deafness‐related genes were identified. These resources provide a platform for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the epithelial transport essential for cochlear function and the pathophysiological processes involved in hearing disorders.
Processing threshold in an IEEE 802.11a/g/p receiver over GNU radio: A fuzzy logic application

This paper presents the design and implementation of a fuzzy inference system for automatic real-time environment, setting of the processing threshold in a software defined IEEE802.11a/g/p receiver. The fuzzy system behavior is established by determining the if-then rules among the membership functions, which are optimized by a differential evolutionary algorithm, for the inputs that are composed by a set of wireless network characteristic parameters and the output, threshold. The full model consists of fuzzifier, defuzzifier and inference system. The proposed development is analyzed and implemented over GNU Radio including the IEEE 802.11/a/g/p flowgraph. A proof-of-concept over USRP B210 is carried out in order to validate the design.
Low-dose MDCT urography: feasibility study of low-tube-voltage technique and adaptive noise reduction filter.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of performance of MDCT urography with low tube voltage and an adaptive noise reduction filter. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty-one patients underwent excretory phase (300 seconds after administration of 100 mL of iopamidol) 40-MDCT of the urinary tract at 120 and 80 kVp. The 80-kVp images were postprocessed with an adaptive noise reduction filter. Using a 3-point scale for homogeneity of the urinary tract and sharpness of contour, streak artifacts, and overall image quality, two radiologists evaluated coronal multiplanar reconstruction images generated from 120-kVp, unfiltered 80-kVp, and filtered 80-kVp images. Attenuation values of the abdominal aorta, renal pelvis, renal cortex, psoas muscle, vertebral body, and retroperitoneal fat and image noise of the psoas muscle were measured. The effective radiation dose was estimated for each patient. RESULTS At visual evaluation of images of the upper urinary tract, the quality of filtered 80-kVp images was comparable with that of 120-kVp images. At evaluation of images of the lower urinary tract, however, filtered 80-kVp images were of inferior quality. Except for those of fat tissue, attenuation values were significantly higher on 80-kVp than on 120-kVp images (paired Student's t test, p < 0.01). Noise values did not differ significantly between 120- and filtered 80-kVp images (Dunnett test, p = 0.37). The mean effective doses for 120- and 80-kVp scans were 7.0 and 2.9 mSv. CONCLUSION MDCT urography is feasible with a low-tube-voltage technique and an adaptive noise reduction filter. The technique allows reduction in radiation dose without marked degradation of image quality and can be used in clinical assessment of the renal collecting system and upper ureter. For evaluation of the pelvic ureter and urinary bladder, however, image quality is not sufficient, and a compensatory increase in tube current may be necessary.
[Pharmacoresistant temporal-lobe epilepsy. Exploration with foramen ovale electrodes and surgical outcomes].

AIM To report our experience in the surgical treatment of temporal-lobe epilepsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS An analysis was performed of the outcomes of 137 patients submitted to surgery between 1990 and 2001, with a follow-up of more than two years. A study was conducted of the percentages of successful detection by the different complementary tests--MRI, EEG, interictal SPECT, video-EEG with foramen ovale electrodes (FOE), neuropsychological study (NPS)--and the precision with which they reported the epileptogenic focus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Successful surgical outcomes (Engel grades I-II): 73.4%. No surgical mortality occurred, although some mild, reversible morbidity was observed. Surgical outcomes were not affected by sex, age, age of onset and the length of time the patient had had the disease, or the frequency of the seizures. No association was found between seizures in the immediate post-operative period and a poorer long term control of the epilepsy. MR images were normal in 25% of patients; in these cases the surgical outcomes (Engel grades I-II at two years: 62%) were significantly poorer than in cases of tumours/cavernomas (86%); RMI studies of other types of lesions gave intermediate results (72%). With respect to the capacity of the different tests to lateralise/locate the epileptogenic focus, video-EEG-FOE proved to be the best, followed by MRI, SPECT, EEG and NPS.
Duplex ultrasound investigation of the veins in chronic venous disease of the lower limbs--UIP consensus document. Part I. Basic principles.

BACKGROUND Duplex ultrasound investigation has become the reference standard in assessing the morphology and haemodynamics of the lower limb veins. The project described in this paper was an initiative of the Union Internationale de Phlébologie (UIP). The aim was to obtain a consensus of international experts on the methodology to be used for assessment of veins in the lower limb by ultrasound imaging. METHODS The authors invited a group of experts from a wide range of countries to participate in this project. Electronic submissions from the experts were made available to all participants via the UIP website. The authors prepared a draft document for discussion at an UIP Chapter meeting held in San Diego, USA in August 2003. Following this meeting a revised manuscript was circulated to all participants and further comments were received by the authors and included in subsequent versions of the manuscript. Eventually all participants agreed the final version of the paper. RESULTS The experts have made detailed recommendations concerning the methods to be used for duplex ultrasound examination as well as the interpretation of images and measurements obtained. This document suggests a methodology for complete assessment of the superficial and perforating veins of the lower limbs, including recommendations on reporting results and training of personnel involved in these investigations. CONCLUSIONS The authors and a large group of experts have agreed a methodology for the investigation of the lower limbs venous system by duplex ultrasonography.
Determinants of student satisfaction in higher education: an empirical study in Dubai

We develop and empirically validate a student satisfaction modelling technology-enabled university environments. We use focus groups at a university in Dubai and an intensive literature review to propose a theoretical model that involves different types of student interactions; perceptions of infrastructure; and university branding as independent variables influencing student satisfaction as outcome variable. Using data collected from a random sample of 99 students, we empirically test the model using linear regression analysis. Two variables, branding and interactions of students with administrative staff are found to significantly influence student satisfaction, accounting for 61% of variance. Implications are discussed and suggestions for future research are given. With its specific context, the study requires replication in other countries to determine whether the findings are generalisable. This study is one of the rare occasions when a structural model of student satisfaction in technology-enabled environments in the Middle East has been subjected to empirical scrutiny.
Education in a changing world : flexibility, skills, and employability

New technologies, globalization, the information revolution, and labor market changes have affected the world economy on an unprecedented scale. As a consequence, the demand for a skilled workforce has increased, world trade and migration have intensified, and the divide between the haves and have? nots has vastly widened. While many developed countries have by now gone through a demographic transition, with declining birth rates and an increase in the aging population, low? income countries in particular will see an upswing in population growth. Between now and 2050, for example, the labor force in Africa is projected to increase by 125 percent; in Latin America, by 26 percent; and in Asia, by 22 percent. At the same time, the labor force in Europe will decline by 23 percent. Given these circumstances, the key policy challenge is to ensure that the emerging workforce in developing countries has the skills needed to escape the cycle of poverty and take advantage of the opportunities made possible by globalization and technological change. This paper puts education under the lens of the changing demands of technology, the labor market, demography, and migration. It identifies the weaknesses in current education systems, such as restricted access, skills mismatches, and weak school-to-work linkages. It calls for making education systems more flexible and responsive to change so that they maximize human resources, equip people with updated skills, and prepare youth for the world of work. It specifically looks at the education status of four types of countries at different stages of development and growth and makes recommendations on priorities and strategies for each group.
The impact on hospital resource utilisation of treatment of hepatic encephalopathy with rifaximin-

Background & Aims Rifaximin- reduces the risk of recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy. However, there remain concerns regarding the financial cost of the drug. We aimed to study the impact of treatment with rifaximin- on healthcare resource utilisation using data from seven United Kingdom liver treatment centres. Methods All seven centres agreed a standardised data set and data characterising clinical, demographic and emergency hospital admissions were collected retrospectively for the time-periods three, six and 12 months before and following initiation of rifaximin- .
Boredom proneness predicts quality of life in outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders

Background: There is increasing recognition of the clinical significance of boredom associated with functional impairments in schizophrenia. Previous work has highlighted the importance of motivational deficits more broadly, although no study has yet explored the unique effects of boredom on community outcomes. Aims: This study aims to measure boredom proneness among outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia to determine whether it is elevated in this population and to determine its relation to quality-of-life outcomes. Methods: A self-report measure of boredom proneness along with standard measures of symptoms and functional status was administered to a community-dwelling sample of schizophrenia outpatients. Results: Boredom proneness was found to be elevated in this population and was associated with reduced quality of life, specifically with leisure activity dissatisfaction and reduced sense of financial well-being. Negative symptoms were determined to be associated with reduced work and school functioning. Conclusion: This pattern of unique effects on quality of life highlights the clinical relevance of identifying a subjective state of boredom and has theoretical importance in distinguishing boredom proneness specifically from more general avolitional and amotivational conditions that have tended to be the focus of clinical observation and previous research.
Evaluation of a Salmonella‐specific DNA probe by colony hybridization using non‐isotopic and isotopic labeling

A 2.3 kilobase (kb) Salmonella probe, JEO402‐1, and two subfragments, F1214 (1.3 kb) and F1217 (0.8 kb), have been evaluated by colony hybridization using pure cultures of Salmonella serovars and non‐salmonella bacteria. JEO402‐1, and its subfragments, F1214 and F1217, hybridized to all of 156 different Salmonella serovars tested, while there was no reaction to 112 non‐salmonella strains belonging to 19 genera and 37 species of Enterobacteriaceae. Together with previously published results, the JEO402‐1 probe has now been shown to detect a total of 396 Salmonella strains belonging to 214 serovars of Slamonella subspecies I‐VI. A total of 178 non‐salmonella strains representing 23 genera and 51 species of Enterobacteriaceae have all tested negative with JEO402‐1. The hybridization results obtained using a digoxigenin‐labeled probe were similar to those obtained with 35S isotopic labeling when complete colony lysis was ensured.
The impact of employee involvement on organisational commitment and ‘them and us’ attitudes

This article presents a measure of ‘them and us' as a basis for evaluating an employee involvement programme in British Rail. The results of a longitudinal study with control groups and various forms of post-training intervention show no change in organisational commitment but some evidence of a shift towards a more local pattern of identity which excludes union representatives from ‘us'.