Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene Therapy for Retinal Disease: What Lies Ahead

Gene therapy in simple terms can be defined as a medical treatment that exerts its effects using molecules of DNA or RNA within cells. Most traditional drugs act by mechanisms that include binding to cell surface receptors, inhibiting enzymes in intracellular pathways or by modifying transcription. These approaches rely to some extent on a normal genetic make-up of the cell in the final common pathway, which raises significant challenges in diseases that are caused by specific gene mutations. An alternative gene therapy approach to change the behaviour of cells at the most fundamental level by one single genetic modification is therefore potentially very powerful and wide ranging. This paper presents an overview of retinal gene therapy at the current time and highlights the future therapeutic potential for a number of diseases that are currently incurable.
The Optimal Borrowing Tax

Optimal public finance analysis of intertemporal models has been devoted to special cases where the distortion of intertemporal choice is avoided. In contrast, practical public fi nance has significant distortion of intertemporal choice. This paper characterizes optimal intertemporal taxation in a simple model. With distortionary taxation necessary, fluctuations of productivity of external real interest rates are potent possible reasons to distort intertemporal choice. Borrowing I lending taxation is shown to be generally required for ef ficiency, even in the special separable case usually thought to imply no intertemporal distor tion. The time profile of the optimal borrowing I lending tax is characterized in a special case, and the resulting relation between optimal public debt and the trade account is analyzed.
Special Topic Interoperability and EHR: Combining openEHR, SNOMED, IHE, and Continua as approaches to interoperability on national eHealth

Summary Objectives: The main aims of the paper comprise the characterization and examination of the potential approaches regarding interoperability. This includes openEHR, SNOMED, IHE, and Continua as combined interoperability approaches, possibilities for their incorporation into the eHealth environment, and identification of the main success factors in the field, which are necessary for achieving required interoperability, and consequently, for the successful implementation of eHealth projects in general. Methods: The paper represents an in-depth analysis regarding the potential application of openEHR, SNOMED, IHE and Continua approaches in the development and implementation process of eHealth in Slovenia. The research method used is both exploratory and deductive in nature. The methodological framework is grounded on information retrieval with a special focus on research and charting of existing experience in the field, and sources, both electronic and written, which include interoperability concepts and related implementation issues. Results: The paper will try to answer the following inquiries that are complementing each other: 1. Scrutiny of the potential approaches, which could alleviate the pertinent interoperability issues in the Slovenian eHealth context. 2. Analyzing the possibilities (requirements) for their inclusion in the construction process for individual eHealth solutions. 3. Identification and charting the main success factors in the interoperability field that critically influence development and implementation of eHealth projects in an efficient manner. Conclusions: Provided insights and identified success factors could serve as a constituent of the strategic starting points for continuous integration of interoperability principles into the healthcare domain. Moreover, the general implementation of the identified success factors could facilitate better penetration of ICT into the healthcare environment and enable the eHealth-based transformation of the health system especially in the countries which are still in an early phase of eHealth planning and development and are often confronted with differing interests, requirements, and contending strategies. Citation: Beštek M, Stanimirovic D. Special Topic Interoperability and EHR: Combining openEHR, SNOMED, IHE, and Continua as approaches to interoperability on national eHealth. Appl Clin Inform 2017; 8: 810–825 https://doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2017-01-RA-0011
Monopolistic Unions, Brainard Uncertainty, And Optimal Monetary Policy

Some authors have argued that multiplicative uncertainty may benefit society as the cautionary motive reduces the inflation bias. However, when there are non-atomistic wage setters, higher multiplicative uncertainty may raise the wage premium and unemployment and thus reduce welfare. Furthermore, since central bank preferences also affect the wage premium, delegating policy to an independent central banker with an optimal degree of conservatism cannot deliver a second-best outcome. Copyright 2010 , Oxford University Press.
Concurrence et antisélection multidimensionnelle en assurance

ln the Rothschild and Stiglitz model, assuming differences in risk aversions may lead to unusual equilibrium configurations like multiple equilibria, equilibrium positive profits, or random contracts. We characterize the various types of equilibria and give results on the determinants of the equilibrium regime. We conclude with a few remarks on classical equilibrium concepts in insurance economics, and we suggest policy implications.
Managing thyroid dysfunction in the elderly

PREVIEW What you know about thyroid disease in younger patients may not hold true for your elderly patients. The clinical presentation in older patients often differs from that in their younger counterparts, thus making diagnosis challenging. Knowing when and whom to screen for thyroid dysfunction is the key to appropriate management. In this article, Drs Mohandas and Gupta present the answers to seven common questions about diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease in elderly patients.
Higher Education, Real Income and Real Investment in China: Evidence From Granger Causality Tests

Abstract This paper employs cointegration and error‐correction modelling to test the causal relationship between real income, real investment and tertiary education using data for the People’s Republic of China over the period 1952–1999. To proxy tertiary education we use higher education enrolments and higher education graduates in alternative empirical specifications. One of the paper’s main findings is that real income, real investment and tertiary education are cointegrated when real investment is the dependent variable, but are not cointegrated when either tertiary education or real income is the dependent variable. We also extend the in‐sample analysis to examine the decomposition of variance and impulse response functions.
Why Do Boards Exist? Governance Design in the Absence of Corporate Law

We study under which circumstances firms choose to install boards and their roles in a historical setting in which neither boards nor their duties are mandated by law. Boards arise in firms with large, heterogeneous shareholder bases. We propose that an important role of boards is to mediate between heterogeneous shareholders with divergent interests. Voting restrictions are common and ensure that boards are representative and not captured by large blockholders. Boards are given significant powers to both mediate and monitor management, and these roles are intrinsically linked.
Stabilization and post‐translational modification of microtubules during cellular morphogenesis

This review discusses the possible role of α‐tubulin detyrosination, a reversible post‐translational modification that occurs at the protein's C‐terminus, in cellular morphogenesis. Higher eukaryotic cells possess a cyclic post‐translational mechanism by which dynamic microtubules are differentiated from their more stable counterparts; a tubulin‐specific carboxypeptidase detyrosinates tubulin protomers within microtubules, while the reverse reaction, tyrosination, is performed on the soluble protomer by a second tubulin‐specific enzyme, tubulin tyrosine ligase. In general, the turnover of microtubules in undifferentiated, proliferating cells is so rapid that the microtubules accumulate very little detyrosinated tubulin; that is, they are enriched in tyrosinated tubulin. However, an early event common to at least three well‐studied morphogenetic events myogenesis, neuritogenesis, and directed cell motility is the elaboration of a polarized array of stable microtubules that become enriched in detyrosinated tubulin. The formation of this specialized array of microtubules in specific locations in cells undergoing morphogenesis suggests that it plays an important role in generating cellular asymmetries.
The Call for Department Leaders.

This paper discusses development of the department chair, focusing on the need to build leadership capacity in colleges and universities. It suggests that it takes many years to become an expert, noting that one of the most glaring shortcomings in the leadership area is the scarcity of sound research on leadership training and development. Obstacles to leadership development include such facts as: the institutional system tends to snuff out the spark of enthusiasm for leadership before the flame is ignited; the prestige of specific professional disciplines drains off potential leaders into profitable non-leadership roles; many academics are unwilling to give up their professional and personal lives for ones consumed by leadership responsibilities; and the state of selection at the top levels of the organization is precarious. The development of leadership ability is a long, complex process. Three spheres of influence are needed to create the conditions essential to developing academic leaders: conceptual understanding of the unique roles and responsibilities encompassed in academic leadership; the skills necessary to achieve the results through working with faculty, staff students, and other administrators; and the practice of reflection to learn from past experiences and perfect the art of leadership. (Contains 28 references.) (SM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. 1 Walter H. Gmelch MCTE, February 2002 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) The Call for Department Leaders Walter H. Gmelch Dean Iowa State University U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and lrnprovernent EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 1:1 This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. Where have all the leaders gone? In higher education, the development of academic leaders is at a critical juncture. While the corporate world complains that they have simply progressed from the Bronze Age of leadership development to the Iron Age (Conger & Benjamin, 1999), we fear that in higher education we may still be in the Dark Ages (Gmelch, 2000c). It is my hope that inquiry into department chair development may shed some light to help illuminate the way to the Building Age of our leadership capacity in colleges and
Determinants of Cross-Sectional Stock Returns During a Turbulent Period: An Application to the Athens Stock Exchange

With this study we attempt to shed some light in the existing literature concerning the determinants of cross-sectional stock returns. In our analysis we test a turbulent period for the Athens Stock Exchange which ranges from July/2007 to June/2012. The variables we examine as potential determinants are the market beta, the market value of equity, the book-to-market value of equity, Liu’s liquidity measure over a prior six-month period, and a security’s average past returns over three and six months. After employing Fama and French’s (1992) portfolio analysis and Fama and MacBeth’s (1973) cross-sectional regressions, we end up that although there are inter-correlations among the variables under examination, none of them is proven statistically significant in order to explain the cross-section of stock returns.
A multiple-product sales force allocation model

When several products are marketed by the same sales force, it frequently becomes impossible or impractical for salesmen to promote all items in the product line extensively in each and every time period. Management's problem is to decide how the available selling effort should be allocated across products and over time. The opportunity costs associated with using limited selling resources to promote certain products but not others must be evaluated. This paper describes a decision calculus-type modeling system for dealing with this question. The problem is analyzed by a two-step procedure. First, a response function is defined which relates selling effort to sales and profit results in a manner which represents some behavioral phenomena considered to be important. An interactive conversational program elicits judgmental data from managers which are used to parameterize the response model. A separate response function is specified for each product in the firm's line by this method. The set of response functions so obtained becomes the input for the second component of the system, an allocation heuristic. An incremental search procedure is employed to find an allocation of the sales force's time to the various products and over several time periods which is “best” in terms of total contribution to company profits. The model is presented in the context of an ethical drug manufacturer's multiple-product sales force allocation problem. Results of an application are summarized and implementation considerations noted. A comparison of the model-based allocation with that determined previously by management indicated that the former plan would offer a substantial improvement in profits.
A Novel Via-less Vertical Integration Method for MEMS Scanned Phased Array Modules

A highly integrated electronically scanned phased array (ESPA) module using an innovative integration approach with MEMS processing technologies is presented. X-band monolithic 3-bit MEMS phase shifters, Wilkinson power dividers and via-less capacitive interconnects are integrated on a double-sided wafer to produce the prototype module. In order to fully integrate these components, finite ground coplanar (FGC) waveguide MEMS components are employed for the very first time without the use of interconnect vias or complex multi-layer processing. The 0.37 in2-integrated module has a bandwidth of 11% and is an enabling building block of integrated sub-system arrays for lightweight large space-based phased arrays.
Impacts on the local population due to delays in large scale agricultural investments

This thesis discusses the effect of delays in large-scale agricultural investment (LSAI) in resettlement on the local population when resettled. Empirical material was gathered in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, for the case of the investor Agro EcoEnergy Ltd. (‘EcoEnergy’) and its investment in sugar. EcoEnergy is an agro industrial development company that has gained title to land on the Razaba ranch, where it plans to grow sugarcane for the domestic sugar market. Because of this planned investment, the local population living on the land today will have to be resettled in new areas. EcoEnergy has agreed to comply with the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards, where Performance Standard 5 (PS5), on land acquisition and involuntary resettlement, is applicable. This thesis explores how delays in the investment and the resettlement process are affecting the local population and how this is handled in PS5. Interviews were held with the local population, EcoEnergy representatives and consultants working with the resettlement process. Theoretical perspectives are drawn from Giddens’ ontological security, the livelihood framework and Scott’s planning for the unknown.
Vertically Stacked SiGe Nanowire Array Channel CMOS Transistors

We demonstrate, for the first time, the fabrication of vertically stacked SiGe nanowire (NW) arrays with a fully CMOS compatible technique. Our method uses the phenomenon of Ge condensation onto Si and the faster oxidation rate of SiGe than Si to realize the vertical stacking of NWs. Gate-all-around nand p-FETs, fabricated using these stacked NW arrays as the channel (Lgges0.35 mum), exhibit excellent device performance with high ION/IOFF ratio (~106), near ideal subthreshold slope (~62-75 mV/dec) and low drain induced barrier-lowering (~20 mV/V). The transconductance characteristics suggest quantum confinement of holes in the [Ge]-rich outer-surface of SiGe for p-FETs and confinement of electrons in the core Si with significantly less [Ge] for n-FETs. The presented device architecture can be a promising option to overcome the low drive current restriction of Si NW MOSFETs for a given planar estate
Corporate real estate strategy in the UK and Malaysia

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare corporate real estate (CRE) strategies of companies in a mature market, the UK, with companies in an emerging market, Malaysia, and examine whether CRE strategy impacts on financial performance.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology involved the analysis of the reporting of CRE strategies in company reports for two time periods, 1998 and 2003. Multivariate models were used to test the relationship between CRE strategy and financial performance.Findings – The results show that a high percentage of companies have CRE strategies that map to the Nourse and Roulac framework, though some companies had alternative or no CRE strategies. Variations are apparent between the UK and Malaysia and between the time periods with differences in the clarity of reporting. The contribution of CRE strategy to financial performance is more significant in 2003.Research limitations/implications – The testing of relationships based on another framework, would allow comparis.
Design of a Label-Typed UHF RFID Tag Antenna for Metallic Objects

In this letter, we present a label-typed UHF RFID tag antenna for metallic objects. The antenna is fabricated on a thin flexible PET substrate with a thickness of 0.07 mm. In order to achieve good performance on metallic objects as well as in free space, the design of the proposed antenna is mainly considered for two factors; gain and impedance matching. To increase the gain of the proposed antenna, we place an additional loop, which has a line width of 2.5 mm and surrounds the original meandered folded dipole antenna. Also, the design is achieved by matching in frequency region where minimum impedance variation occurs on metallic objects, so that the change of the input impedance is small compared to free space case. The experimental results show that the maximum reading range of the proposed antenna is about 7.5 m in free space, and 3 m for 1-mm separation from the metallic surface. Furthermore, reading range has been compared among commercial and the proposed label-typed RFID tags, revealing about 3 times longer reading range than Alien M-tag when it is placed 1 mm above a metal surface.
Embedded fitness landscapes-part 1: How a venture capitalist maps highly subjective risk

Sensemaking frameworks are used to develop the metaphor of shifting, multidimensional fitness landscapes mentally embedded in increasing higher levels of abstraction. Cognitive maps illustrate the simplified visualization used by early stage venture capitalists (VCs) to understand venture risk. Risk assessments of new, high-growth potential ventures are often highly subjective. In this first article of a three-part series, we define the nature of the uncertainty and equivocality that VCs face and relate these to traditional approaches to categorizing risk. Next, we introduce fitness landscapes and review two approaches relating these to business strategy. The metaphor is extended to focus on multiple embedded landscapes rather than a single map. Map instability is linked to ongoing sensemaking activities of the VC. Finally, the remaining two papers in the series on cognitive representation and experiential learning of VCs are previewed. The papers in the series all focus on developing a new research approach to understanding the conceptualization and management of highly subjective risk by VCs.
Syddansk Universitet Influence of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm on image quality in coronary computed tomography angiography

Background: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) requires high spatial and temporal resolution, increased low contrast resolution for the assessment of coronary artery stenosis, plaque detection, and/or non-coronary pathology. Therefore, new reconstruction algorithms, particularly iterative reconstruction (IR) techniques, have been developed in an attempt to improve image quality with no cost in radiation exposure. Purpose: To evaluate whether adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) enhances perceived image quality in CCTA compared to filtered back projection (FBP). Material and Methods: Thirty patients underwent CCTA due to suspected coronary artery disease. Images were reconstructed using FBP, 30% ASIR, and 60% ASIR. Ninety image sets were evaluated by five observers using the subjective visual grading analysis (VGA) and assessed by proportional odds modeling. Objective quality assessment (contrast, noise, and the contrast-to-noise ratio [CNR]) was analyzed with linear mixed effects modeling on logtransformed data. The need for ethical approval was waived by the local ethics committee as the study only involved anonymously collected clinical data. Results: VGA showed significant improvements in sharpness by comparing FBP with ASIR, resulting in odds ratios of 1.54 for 30% ASIR and 1.89 for 60% ASIR (P1⁄4 0.004). The objective measures showed significant differences between FBP and 60% ASIR (P< 0.0001) for noise, with an estimated ratio of 0.82, and for CNR, with an estimated ratio of 1.26. Conclusion: ASIR improved the subjective image quality of parameter sharpness and, objectively, reduced noise and increased CNR.
Criminal justice? Using a social capital theory to evaluate probation-managed drug policy

Policy must be theoretically informed and appropriately targeted if it is to be effective (Kerr et al., 2011). In probation-managed drug policy, this demands an appropriate theory framework within which the multi-dimensional nature of problematic drug use can be understood. To engender genuine justice in such policy, theory must give ‘proper weight to both structure and agency, in continuous interaction’ (Bottoms, 2004) (agency refers to the ability of individuals to act of their own free will and structure refers to the social, legal and economic institutions, arrangements and practices which can facilitate, or indeed constrain, the agents’ capacity to do so). This article responds to these challenges by presenting a theory of ‘social capital portfolios’ which was developed from the social capital; substance misuse and desistance literatures and refined through an 18-month longitudinal study of probation-managed drug interventions. The theory is used here to critically evaluate contemporary probation drug policy and developments and to make recommendations on what constitutes criminal and social justice.