Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controlled Clinical Comparison of BacT/ALERT Standard Aerobic and Standard Anaerobic Blood Culture Bottles Inoculated Directly or after Transport in Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate Tubes

ABSTRACT To assess relative performances in the BacT/ALERT blood culture system, we compared results from the direct inoculation of standard media and inoculation after the transport of blood samples in Vacutainer tubes with sodium polyanethol sulfonate. No significant differences in yields or times to detection were found for 387 clinically important isolates from 4,306 blood culture sets.
Upregulation of miR-224 predicts poor prognosis in patients with pediatric acute myeloid leukemia

Dysregulation of miR-224 has been shown to be involved in cancer tumorigenesis and progression of several cancer types. However, its expression patterns in tumors are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the expression and clinical significance of miR-224 in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Expression levels of miR-224 in bone marrow mononuclear cells were detected by real-time quantitative PCR in 104 patients with newly diagnosed pediatric AML. The results showed that miR-224 expression was significantly upregulated in the bone marrow of pediatric AML patients when compared with controls (P<0.001). Also, miR-224 upregulation occurred more frequently in French-American-British classification subtype M7 than in other subtypes (P=0.007). Regarding to cytogenetic risk, the levels of miR-224 in pediatric AML patients with unfavorable karyotypes were dramatically higher than those in intermediate and favorable groups (P=0.028). Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that pediatric AML patients with high miR-224 expression tended to have shorter disease free and overall survivals. In multivariate analysis stratified for known prognostic variables, high miR-224 expression was identified as an independent prognostic factor for both disease free and overall survivals. In conclusion, our data indicated that the upregulation of miR-224 was associated with advanced clinical features and poor prognosis of pediatric AML patients, suggesting that miR-224 upregulation may serve as an unfavorable prognostic biomarker in pediatric AML.
Advertisement Typicality: A Longitudinal Experiment

ABSTRACT This study examines how advertisement typicality influences the capacity of sponsorship to transfer an image from a sporting event to a brand over time. Two pretests and one main experiment, involving more than 2,200 respondents in total, revealed that high advertisement typicality enhanced the effectiveness of sponsorship in event-related advertising more than low typicality. This study also introduces a robust and effective method to assess the typicality of various combinations of event-related elements: discrete-choice experiments. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for marketing and brand managers.
Effects of Random Delay Errors in Continuous-Time Semi-Digital Transversal Filters

The implementation of transversal filters requires basic circuit elements such as adders, multipliers and (unit) delay elements. The filters designed under infinite precision of these elements may behave differently when implemented with components with limited accuracy. In fact, the effects of the coefficient inaccuracies in analog and digital transversal filters have been investigated extensively in the literature [1], [2]. On the other hand, the effects of the unit delays with limited precision have not received similar attention. In this paper, we find that such effects especially in very high frequency continuous-time semi-digital transversal filters may not be ignored. As an example, we analyze the impact of delay errors in the implementation of the direct modulation transmitter. Specifically, we provide the analytical statistical performance bounds and confirm the results with simulations.
Data-part: A technique for privacy protection in databases

In order to protect individuals' privacy, the technique of k-anonymization has been proposed to de-associate sensitive attributes from the corresponding identifiers. Datafly is one such technique which generalizes the information up to a level in such a way that each individual is hidden among at least k-1 other individuals. But this technique sometimes over distorts the data which may render it useless for statistical and research purposes. In this paper, we present a method called ldquoData-Partrdquo, based on ldquoDataflyrdquo, but with certain modifications, which tries to minimize the distortion of data while still maintaining adequate privacy protection. We prove it through results and experiments at the end of this paper.
Vertebral artery origin stent placement with distal protection: technical and clinical results.

OBJECTIVE To report the feasibility, safety, and 1-month results of performing stent placement for vertebral origin stenosis with the use of a distal protection device. Distal protection devices have been shown to reduce the number of cerebral emboli and subsequent ischemic events when used as adjuncts to percutaneous carotid intervention; however, one case of the use of a distal protection device for vertebral artery has been reported in the literature. METHODS We retrospectively determined rates of technical success and 1-month stroke or death associated with stent placement by using distal protection (Filter EX; Boston Scientific, Natick, Mass) in patients with symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis. Technical success was defined as successful deployment of distal protection device and stent at target lesion followed by successful retrieval of the device and a final residual stenosis of less than 30%. Other outcomes ascertained included any stroke, death, and semiquantitative assessment of particulate material retained by the filter device. RESULTS The mean age of the 12 treated patients was 68 years (range, 52-88 years) and the group included 9 men and 3 women. The mean percentage of vertebral artery origin stenosis was 71 +/- 6%. Femoral and radial approaches were used in 9 and 3 cases, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 11 of the 12 patients in whom distal protection device placement was attempted. Postprocedure residual stenosis was 5 +/- 4%. Eight devices held macroscopically visible embolic debris (large and small amounts in 3 and 5 devices, respectively). No stroke or death was observed in the 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates the feasibility of performing stent placement for vertebral artery origin stenosis by using a distal protection device. Further studies are required to determine the effectiveness of this approach for vertebral artery origin atherosclerosis.
Process Innovation: Open Innovation and the Moderating Role of the Motivation to Achieve Legitimacy

Global competition has increased the pressure for firms to develop new and efficient processes in ways that are perceived to be legitimate. At the same time, there has been a realization that engaging with open innovation can improve competitiveness. Our study aims to address two research questions: (a) How does engaging with open innovation support an organization's process innovation? and (b) How does the motivation to achieve legitimacy affect the relationship between engaging with open innovation and process innovation? We use arguments from the resource-based view to explain how open innovation influences an organization's likelihood of introducing new processes. We then use arguments from institutional theory to explain how the motivation to achieve legitimacy moderates this relationship. We test our conceptual model using data from the European Community Innovation Survey administered by the U.K. government. Our findings and theoretical development support the notion that engagement with open innovation will increase the likelihood of introducing new processes and that the motivation to achieve legitimacy will affect this relationship. However, this moderating effect will be different depending on how engagement takes place. It will be positive on co-operation with external parties, and negative on the use of information. Therefore, when organizations co-operate with external parties and are motivated to achieve legitimacy, the likelihood of introducing a new process will increase. However, the effect is opposite in the case of use of external information. These findings contribute to the understanding of the relationship between open and process innovation.
Hybrid Precoding Techniques for THz Massive MIMO in Hotspot Network Deployment

To increase network capacity and coverage, new deployment strategies are being explored for beyond-5G networks. Building on the unique features and potentials of lamppost-based access points (APs) for hotspot deployment scenarios, this work investigates the performance of three hybrid precoding techniques at the APs, where the analog RF beamformer is based on orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) and modified generalized low rank approximation of matrices (MGLRAM) while the digital baseband precoder is based on maximum ratio transmission (MRT) and zero forcing (ZF) precoding schemes. The performance of these hybrid precoding techniques is compared to the SVD-based upper bound. Using a stadium deployment as sample use case, this work considers a multi-cell, multi-user THz Massive MIMO operation for harnessing beamforming and multiplexing gains, where the APs use hybrid precoding while users employ analog-only beamforming. The spectral efficiency results show that this deployment strategy can deliver ultra-broadband connectivity for next-generation short-range communication networks.
Capacity Characterization of Uplink NOMA in Multi-UAV Networks

In this paper, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is investigated as a potential solution to address spectrum scarcity in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications. In particular, the ergodic capacity of uplink (UL) NOMA is characterized within a stochastic geometry framework for a multi-UAV network comprising a ground station (GS) and multiple UAVs. Our analysis reveals that UL NOMA enables fairness, in terms of ergodic capacity, to be achieved in the multi-UAV network. When compared against conventional UL orthogonal multiple access (OMA), we show that the ergodic capacity and ergodic sum capacity is higher for the proposed UL NOMA transmissions. Thus, the proposed scheme enables higher throughput to be achieved in multi-UAV networks while simultaneously improving spectrum efficiency.
Why written objectives need to be really SMART

There is general agreement that plans without well-formulated goals lack rationale, strategies lack relevance, actions lack direction, projects lack accountability, and organisations lack purpose (Mullins, 1999; Beardshaw and Palfreman, 1990; Bratton, et al, 2007). Moreover, goals need to be properly constructed to serve as credible and usable benchmarks by which the results can be monitored and evaluated via immediate outputs, intermediate outcomes over the short term or terminal impacts in the long term (Greenbank, 2001; Fitsimmons, 2008; Bipp and Kleingeld, 2011). Thus, it is a basic requirement of effective goal setting that objective statements are formulated using a clear and logical structure or framework. This article analyses examples of objective statements drawn from the literature and concludes that none of these can be truly described as SMART1, posing the risk that organisations using them as guide will fail to attain their goals.
Improved circuit model for DGS based lowpass filter

We report a new and improved circuit model for the defective ground plane (DGS) slot based lowpass filter (LPF) which accounts for losses and mutual coupling between the slots. We also present a Hi-Lo LPF with DGS slots and investigate the impact of their position on improving the performance of the filter.
Total-body echo-planar MR imaging in the staging of breast cancer: comparison with conventional methods--early experience.

PURPOSE To test breast cancer staging with total-body echo-planar magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer were imaged by using a 1.5-T echo-planar MR system. By using a table sweep method, 180 contiguous axial images were obtained from the cranial vertex through the feet with T2-weighted spin-echo and inversion-recovery sequences. Results were compared with those of conventional imaging. Therapeutic decisions based on echo-planar MR imaging and conventional imaging results were compared. Diagnostic truth was determined by means of tissue diagnosis, further imaging findings, and follow-up findings (median, 18 months). RESULTS Staging with total-body echo-planar MR imaging was correct in 18 patients (95%)--eight with metastases and 10 without--while staging with conventional imaging was correct in 15 patients (79%). In one patient, both echo-planar MR imaging and conventional imaging findings incorrectly indicated probable metastases. In one patient thought to have bone metastases at conventional imaging, echo-planar MR imaging findings were normal, which was correct. Two patients with stage IV disease were not suspected to have disease at conventional imaging: One had liver involvement and the other had skeletal metastases. The therapeutic decisions in these two patients were altered by the echo-planar MR imaging results. CONCLUSION Total-body echo-planar MR imaging was at least as accurate as conventional imaging for staging newly diagnosed breast cancer and was faster, simpler, and completely noninvasive.
Accumulation of mitochondrially synthesized Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cox2p and Cox3p depends on targeting information in untranslated portions of their mRNAs

The essential products of the yeast mitochondrial translation system are seven hydrophobic membrane proteins and Var1p, a hydrophilic protein in the small ribosomal subunit. Translation of the membrane proteins depends on nuclearly encoded, mRNA‐specific translational activators that recognize the 5′‐untranslated leaders of their target mRNAs. These translational activators are themselves membrane associated and could therefore tether translation to the inner membrane. In this study, we tested whether chimeric mRNAs with the untranslated sequences normally present on the mRNA encoding soluble Var1p, can direct functional expression of coding sequences specifying the integral membrane proteins Cox2p and Cox3p. DNA sequences specifying these chimeric mRNAs were inserted into mtDNA at the VAR1 locus and expressed in strains containing a nuclearly localized plasmid that supplies a functional form of Var1p, imported from the cytoplasm. Although cells expressing these chimeric mRNAs actively synthesized both membrane proteins, they were severely deficient in cytochrome c oxidase activity and in the accumulation of Cox2p and Cox3p, respectively. These data strongly support the physiological importance of interactions between membrane‐bound mRNA‐specific translational activators and the native 5′‐untranslated leaders of the COX2 and COX3 mRNAs for localizing productive synthesis of Cox2p and Cox3p to the inner membrane.
The organization as negotiator

The authors discuss the surprising shortage of research on how organizations negotiate or plan to negotiate, when the work is considered on a broader than individual level. They contrast this with evidence that certain organizations have profited enormously, and even become dominant players in their markets, largely by adopting and enforcing one consistent style and approach to negotiation, one which supports in every detail the organization’s overall strategy. They argue that building on this evidence represents a potentially huge strategic opportunity for organizations which have not yet tackled consistency of purpose and of execution across all of their relationships with suppliers, employees and other stakeholders. They note, however, that the results of such consistency are not always attractive to the outside observer.
Kiwifruit SVP2 gene prevents premature budbreak during dormancy

&NA; MADS‐box genes similar to Arabidopsis thaliana SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) have been implicated in regulation of flowering in annual species and winter dormancy in perennial species. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain to be identified. In this study, the role of kiwifruit SVP2 was explored using ectopic transgenic expression in kiwifruit species with different chilling requirements and the model species tobacco, followed by transcriptomic analysis of transgenic kiwifruit plants. Ectopic expression of SVP2 affected the duration of dormancy in a high‐chill kiwifruit Actinidia deliciosa. This effect could be overcome by sufficient winter chilling. SVP2 had a minimal effect on the duration of dormancy in a low‐chill kiwifruit A. eriantha. Expression in a tobacco cultivar with photoperiodic regulation of flowering resulted in retarded vegetative growth but no impact on flowering. Transcriptomic analyses of the kiwifruit SVP2 transgenic and control lines identified 92 significantly differentially expressed genes potentially involved in SVP2‐mediated growth repression during dormancy, suggesting a role complementary to abscisic acid (ABA). This study has demonstrated that kiwifruit SVP2 has an integrative role in suppression of meristem activity to prevent precocious budbreak before the fulfilment of winter chilling requirements.
The impact of personalised incentives on the profitability of customer retention campaigns

ABSTRACT Traditional approaches to managing customer churn have typically concentrated on those customers most likely to defect. While accurately predicting customer churn probability is important, this metric alone does not sufficiently empower managers to make optimal decisions. Hence, the current study focuses on the relationship between retention incentives and profit maximisation. Specifically, we improve existing churn management practices by: (1) allowing for customer heterogeneity in incentive redemption behaviour, (2) introducing the dependence of the probability of accepting an incentive on its monetary value, and (3) offering an improved model for developing retention campaigns. We support our conclusions with empirical data and simulations and make tangible managerial recommendations.
The Drosophila zeste protein binds cooperatively to sites in many gene regulatory regions: implications for transvection and gene regulation.

The Drosophila zeste protein binds in vitro to several sites in the white, Ultrabithorax, decapentaplegic, Antennapedia, and engrailed genes and to at least one site in the zeste gene itself. The distribution of these sites corresponds often with that of regulatory elements in these genes as defined by mutations or, in the case of white, by molecular analysis. A zeste binding site is frequently found in the immediate vicinity of the promoter. zeste binding sites are composed of two or more zeste recognition sequences T/CGAGT/CG. Isolated consensus sequences do not bind or footprint. Cooperative interactions are involved both in binding to a given site and between proteins bound at independent sites. zeste bound to one DNA molecule can in fact bind simultaneously to another DNA molecule. These results suggest a general role for zeste in bringing together distant regulatory elements controlling the activity of a target gene. In this model, transvection effects are a by‐product of normal intragenic zeste action.
Outside Opportunities, Managerial Risk Preferences, and CEO Compensation

Exploiting the setting of staggered adoption of the Inevitable Disclosure Doctrine (hereafter IDD) in U.S. state courts, we examine how quasi-exogenous restrictions of outside employment opportunities affect CEOs’ risk preferences. IDD adoption constrains executives’ ability to work for competitors, resulting in a reduction in their employment options. We expect IDD adoption to increase CEOs’ risk avoidance by increasing their costs of termination and reducing the reward to risk taking. Consistent with this prediction, we find that, when making investment decisions, CEOs are less responsive, post IDD adoption, to risk-inducing incentives provided by their compensation package. The effect is more pronounced for CEOs with more outside opportunities absent the IDD, whom the IDD’s restrictions are more likely to bind. Additional analyses suggest that the board adjusts compensation to overcome the reduction in risk appetite. Overall, we provide new evidence on how external labor market frictions affects CEO risk preferences and compensation.
A Content Separation Image Fusion Approach: Toward Conformity Between Spectral and Spatial Information

For many remote-sensing applications, it is desirable to have the best possible spatial resolution in order to resolve fine features on the earth's surface. At the same time, a high spectral resolution is needed to distinguish among different ground covers. This paper presents an approach that is based on separating the spatial and spectral characteristics of features extracted from the high-frequency undecimated wavelet transform components. The extracted content, which is expressed in terms of wavelet transform modulus maxima, is used to construct the wavelet coefficients, which reflect the fine features of the more highly resolved scene and are in agreement with spectral properties of the lower resolved multispectral bands. The method effectively sharpens multispectral data and preserves the spectral characteristics of features to a great extent. The experiments have shown that the proposed framework can be applied to fuse data sets of both high- and low-correlated optical as well as near-infrared imagery of low m/p spatial resolution ratio, such as SPOT4
Effects of Dietary Zeolite and Perlite Supplementations on Growth and Nutrient Utilization Performance, and Some Serum Variables in Common Carp, (Cyprinus carpio)

Zeolite and perlite are natural volcanic rocks with ion exchanging properties. This experiment was carried out to determine the effects of different dietary levels of natural zeolite and perlite on growth performance, apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter and protein, ash contents of bone and scales as well as blood parameters in common carp Cyprinus carpio. Five experimental diets tested were a control diet, and zeolite and perlite additions at levels 2.5 and 5%. Each treatment was tested in 3 replicates tanks using fish with an initial average weight of 30±0.5 g. Fish were hand-fed, twice a day for 8 weeks. The results showed that the dietary perlite and zeolite had no an influence on the fish condition factor (P>0.05). There were improving effects of the dietary additions, particularly at 5 %, on growth performance of fish compared to the control. The dry matter and protein apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC; means± S.D) for the experimental diets were, respectively, Z 2.5 (Zeolite 2.5): 83.0±0.89 and 91.99±0.28; Z 5 (Zeolite 5): 87.48±0.76 and 95.14±0.92; P 2.5 (Perlite 2.5): 84.87±0.71 and 93.42±0.64; P 5 (Perlite 5): 87.92±1.27 and 95.80±0.57. Significantly higher ash contents were found in bones and scales of fish fed with the experimental diets in comparison with the control diet (P<0.05). The increase of dietary zeolite resulted in a significantly higher concentration of Ca in serum. While the zeolite and perlite diets did not affect serum Mg, P and total protein contents of serum, a significantly enhanced glucose value was observed in fish fed Z 5. The Na and cholesterol content of serum decreased with adding perlite and zeolite, although K content increased (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that dietary supplement of zeolite and perlite can be used as a new aquafeed ingredient for commom carp.