Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Residues Critical for Duck Hepatitis B Virus Neutralization Are Involved in Host Cell Interaction

ABSTRACT To date, no detailed analysis of the neutralization properties of duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) has been reported, and it is not clear whether any of the known neutralization epitopes correspond to the viral receptor binding site or to sequences involved in the cell entry pathway. We demonstrate here that antibodies directed against two overlapping peptides (amino acids 83 to 97 and 93 to 107), covering the sequences of most DHBV pre-S neutralizing epitopes, both inhibit virus binding to primary duck hepatocytes and neutralize virus infectivity. An extensive mutagenesis of the motif 88WTP90, which is the shortest sequence of the epitope recognized by the virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAb) 900 was performed in order to define the amino acids involved in these interactions. Single point mutations within this epitope affected neither virus replication nor infectivity but abolished virus neutralization by MAb 900 completely. Interestingly, mutants with two and three consecutive residue replacements (SIP and SIH) within this epitope retained replication competence but were no longer infectious. The loss of infectivity of SIH and SIP mutant particles was associated with significantly reduced binding to primary duck hepatocytes and could be rescued bytrans complementation with wild-type pre-S protein. Taken together, these results indicate that each amino acid of the DHBV pre-S sequence 88WTP90 is critical for recognition by the neutralizing MAb 900 and that replacement of the first two or all three residues strongly reduces virus interaction with hepatocytes and abrogates infectivity. These data imply that the motif88WTP90 contains key residues which are critical for interaction with both the neutralizing MAb and the host cell.
Development of Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIOs): knowledge networks and collaboration

The development of Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIOs) has become an important priority for policymaking in the USA. These development efforts have focused primarily on data exchange. In this paper, we propose the use of a research approach, based on knowledge networks and collaboration, to develop an understanding of the processes associated with RHIO development. RHIOs need to be envisioned beyond the need to exchange electronic health information exchange and be seen as the catalyst for knowledge sharing of evidence-based medical practices. Sharing evidence-based medical and clinical practices allows for shared system improvement. Networks have been perceived as a foundation for forming inter-organisational collaborations. The term network implies a structure to relate social actors while collaboration is the process whereby social actors in the network take collective actions to achieve a common goal. RHIOs can serve as convener organisations that can act as a catalyst for bringing diverse stakeholders to work together toward a common purpose and a set of goals that benefit the community.
Recent Electroanalytical Studies of Metal-Organic Frameworks: A Mini-Review

ABSTRACT Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are attracting considerable attention because of their unique structural properties, such as high surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and open metal sites, which enable them to have potential applications in gas storage, catalysis, sensors, drug release, and separation. Also, MOFs can be fabricated and functionalized as electrochemically functional frameworks with perfect electrochemical properties and electrocatalytic activities. This review focuses on the electroanalytical applications of MOFs between 2010 and 2014 years.
Money Shocks in a Markov-Switching VAR for the U . S . Economy

In this brief note a two-state Markov-Switching VAR (MS-VAR) on output, prices and money is estimated for the U.S. economy. Building on the perspective of a New-Keynesian theoretical model, a set of short-run identi cation restrictions is used to conduct structural impulse response analysis under the two possible regimes that the economy operates. Resulst suggest that when the economy is under distress (regime zero), money shocks tend to be more severe and produce larger responses in both output and prices than during times of healthy growth and relative stability.
Sources of Heterogeneity in Family Firms: An Introduction

Family business researchers have devoted substantial attention to comparing family firms with nonfamily firms. Many of these comparisons rely on dichotomous variables, which implicitly treat family firms as homogeneous entities. However, recent studies have started to use moderators and mediators as well as continuous measures of family involvement in recognition of the heterogeneity of family firms. The articles and commentaries in this special issue contribute to a better understanding of that heterogeneity by examining how vision and goals, as well as the discretion engendered by family control, influence the innovation, internationalization, succession, professionalization, and proactive stakeholder engagement of family enterprises.
Thinking critically about intellectual capital accounting

The measurement and reporting of intellectual capital has recently attracted a growing interest from accounting researchers, promoting a lively and far‐reaching debate. Two related issues have informed this debate. It is possible to identify these issues as exemplifying financial reporting and management accounting perspectives on the emergence of intellectual capital. Provides a commentary on the progress of the debate to date, while also attempting to contextualise some of the issues it entails in both earlier and wider debates. In an effort to progress the project of accounting for intellectual capital, suggests the adoption of a critical accounting perspective. This would entail exploring the possibilities of intellectual capital providing its own accounts, rather than remaining imprisoned within accounts devised by others.
Adoption of Mass-Customized Newspapers: An Augmented Technology Acceptance Perspective

The authors propose an augmented version of the Technology Acceptance Model to examine the consumer acceptance of mass-customized (MC) newspapers. Model findings (n = 2,114) suggest that the customer's willingness to invest effort for MC products is one of the main factors driving adoption. Furthermore, gender is found to moderate the relation between base category satisfaction (with the base category “newspaper”) and perceived usefulness of an individually printed daily newspaper.
Interest Rates and the Conduct of Monetary Policy

The paper describes key aspects of actual Federal Reserve interest rate targeting procedures and addresses a number of issues in light of these stylized facts. It reviews the connection between rate smoothing and price level trend-stationarity. It critiques interest rate targeting as inflation tax smoothing. It argues that stabilization policy implemented by interest rate targeting may inadvertently induce martingale-like behavior in nominal rates and inflation. The paper explains why central bankers prefer continuity of the short rate and indirect rate targeting. Lastly, it surveys empirical evidence of the Fed's influence over short-term interest rates.
A secure architecture for fieldbus/Internet gateways

Gateway interconnections between fieldbus systems and IP-based LANs are becoming increasingly popular, which raises security questions. We discuss methods to secure a gateway and present two different ways to apply appropriate authentication and encryption mechanisms. Furthermore, we propose an organizational concept that is suitable for the management of authorization keys. The favored means to store and distribute the keys is smart cards; however, a scheme based on user-names and passwords is also presented as a fall-back solution with restricted access rights. Performance measurements confirm that the smart card approach is more time-consuming, but acceptable for small data packets.
Segmenting Taiwanese tourists to China by ethnic identity and generation

This research intends to segment Taiwanese tourists to China by ethnic identity and generation. Based on Prentice’s ((2004) Tourist familiarity and imagery, Annals of Tourism Research, 31(4), 923–945, (2006) Evocation and experiential seduction: updating choice-sets modeling, Tourism Management, 27, 1153–1170) work that suggests customers who are more emotionally attached to a destination have more positive destination images, this research proposes that Taiwanese holding different identities and belonging to different generations have different destination images of China. The results show that those who tend to identify themselves as Chinese in Taiwan have more positive destination images of China than those who tend to identify themselves as Taiwanese, while younger generations in Taiwan have more neutral perceptions of China as a tourist destination. As the heterogeneity of Taiwanese market is identified in this research, marketing strategies focusing on different segments of Taiwanese tourists to China are suggested in this research.
The Construction and Presentation of Performance Indicators in executive Agency External Reports

For a variety of reasons, factors affecting the understandability and comparability of performance indicators, and perceptions of their status, may differ from those applying in the case of profit-seeking sector financial statements. This study examines the construction and presentation of performance indicators from the perspective of understandability, comparability and perceived importance. It identifies a number of aspects of reporting practice which may undermine these qualities.
GENETIC CORRELATIONS BETWEEN BASAL AND MAXIMUM METABOLIC RATES IN A WILD RODENT: CONSEQUENCES FOR EVOLUTION OF ENDOTHERMY

Abstract According to the aerobic capacity model, endothermy in birds and mammals evolved as a correlated response to selection for an ability of sustained locomotor activity, rather than in a response to direct selection for thermoregulatory capabilities. A key assumption of the model is that aerobic capacity is functionally linked to basal metabolic rate (BMR). The assumption has been tested in several studies at the level of phenotypic variation among individuals or species, but none has provided a clear answer whether the traits are genetically correlated. Here we present results of a genetic analysis based on measurements of the basal and the maximum swim- and cold-induced oxygen consumption in about 1000 bank voles from six generations of a laboratory colony, reared from animals captured in the field. Narrow sense heritability (h2) was about 0.5 for body mass, about 0.4 for mass-independent basal and maximum metabolic rates, and about 0.3 for factorial aerobic scopes. Dominance genetic and common environmental (= maternal) effects were not significant. Additive genetic correlation between BMR and the swim-induced aerobic capacity was high and positive, whereas correlation resulting from specific-environmental effects was negative. However, BMR was not genetically correlated with the cold-induced aerobic capacity. The results are consistent with the aerobic capacity model of the evolution of endothermy in birds and mammals.
Reexamination of the MASC factor structure and discriminant ability in a mixed clinical outpatient sample

Anxiety problems in youth are common, suggesting the need for developmentally appropriate and psychometrically sound measures in this area. The Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC) was created with this goal in mind, but has yet to be examined with samples representative of youth typically seen in clinical settings. Two hundred and sixty‐two outpatient youth with mixed clinical presentations completed the MASC, a measure that includes a total anxiety score, as well as subscale scores for social anxiety, harm avoidance, separation anxiety/panic, and physical symptoms of anxiety. Internal consistency, means, and factor structure were comparable to that reported previously. Model invariance was supported across gender, diagnosis, and age. The MASC total score significantly differentiated children who received anxiety disorder diagnoses from those who did not. The social anxiety subscale significantly predicted social phobia and the harm avoidance subscale significantly predicted generalized anxiety disorder. Further support was found for the MASC. However, caution should be exercised given mixed discriminant ability findings. That is, the MASC seems best suited as a screening instrument for anxiety and when used in conjunction with a multiple method/informant assessment approach. Depression and Anxiety, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A THEORY-DRIVEN AND DYNAMIC APPROACH TO INCOME SUPPORT POLICIES EVALUATION

Since income support policies goals are often vague and not explicit, evaluators are used to concentrate their attention on perverse effects such as welfare dependence. But there are other aspects to take into account. Social workers use some “theories” in dealing with claimants and claimants implement some strategies to overcome poverty. Theories and strategies have to be explicitly developed in order to perform a more accurate evaluation. Moreover, the dynamic character of poverty calls for a longitudinal methodology, in particular Event History Analysis. This technique can be applied to the administrative data collected by social services regarding the duration of benefits and the characteristics of claimants. An evaluation “exercise” will be developed regarding the income support policies of the Council of Turin from 1991 to 1996.
Viability of a Capsule- and Lipopolysaccharide-Deficient Mutant of Neisseria meningitidis

ABSTRACT Neisseria meningitidis is the only lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing gram-negative bacterial species shown to be viable also without LPS. It was thought that the presence of capsular polysaccharide is necessary for this unusual feature. However, we show now that no part of the capsule gene cluster is required for maintaining LPS deficiency in N. meningitidis.
Evaluation of a CD61 MoAb method for enumeration of platelets in thrombocytopenic patients and its impact on the transfusion decision‐making process

BACKGROUND: Almost all automated hematology cell analyzers use methods based on either the impedance (PLTi) or the optical (PLTo) properties of the cells for performing platelet counts. To improve the accuracy of platelet counts in peripheral blood (PB), the use of CD61 (GPIIIa) MoAbs (ImmunoPLT method) has recently been introduced in an automated hematology blood‐analyzer system (Cell‐Dyn 4000, Abbott Diagnostics).
Venture Capital Sector in Pakistan: Ratio Analysis Approach for Financial Performance Assessment

The purpose of study is to rank the venture capital companies operating in Pakistan during the period of 2006-2009 on the base of their financial performance. Ratio analysis technique was used to rank the venture capital companies using profitability / efficiency ratios and total assets as proxies of financial performance. This study concludes that TRG Pakistan Limited is at first in ranking on the bases of return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and total assets, and at second on the base of earnings per share (EPS). AMZ Ventures Limited is at first on the base of earnings per share (EPS), at second in ranking on the bases of return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and total assets. TMT Ventures Limited is third on the bases of all ratios, and total assets. This is the first attempt that was made with an objective to facilitate the students, investors and management of company with useful information regarding financial performance of all venture capital companies operating in Pakistan.
Migration of Ti from nano-TiO2-polyethylene composite packaging into food simulants

An analytical method based on ICP-MS was developed for the determination of Ti in food simulants (3% (w/v) aqueous acetic acid and 50% (v/v) aqueous ethanol). The method was used to determine the migration of Ti from nano-TiO2-PE films used for food packaging into food simulants under different temperature and migration time conditions. The maximum migration amounts into 3% (w/v) aqueous acetic acid were 1.4 ± 0.02, 6.3 ± 0.5 and 12.1 ± 0.2 μg kg−1 at 25, 70 and 100°C, respectively, while into 50% (v/v) aqueous ethanol, the maximum migration amounts were 0.5 ± 0.1, 0.6 ± 0.03 and 2.1 ± 0.1 μg kg−1 at 25, 70 and 100°C, respectively. Increasing the additive content in the film promoted migration of nanoparticles. The results indicated that the migration of nanoparticles might occur via dissolution from the surface and cut edges of the solid phase (film) into the liquid phase (food simulant). Graphical Abstract
What are the implications of implementation science for medical education?

Background Derived from multiple disciplines and established in industries outside of medicine, Implementation Science (IS) seeks to move evidence-based approaches into widespread use to enable improved outcomes to be realized as quickly as possible by as many as possible. Methods This review highlights selected IS theories and models, chosen based on the experience of the authors, that could be used to plan and deliver medical education activities to help learners better implement and sustain new knowledge and skills in their work settings. Results IS models, theories and approaches can help medical educators promote and determine their success in achieving desired learner outcomes. We discuss the importance of incorporating IS into the training of individuals, teams, and organizations, and employing IS across the medical education continuum. Challenges and specific strategies for the application of IS in educational settings are also discussed. Conclusions Utilizing IS in medical education can help us better achieve changes in competence, performance, and patient outcomes. IS should be incorporated into curricula across disciplines and across the continuum of medical education to facilitate implementation of learning. Educators should start by selecting, applying, and evaluating the teaching and patient care impact one or two IS strategies in their work.
Microscopic events in β-hairpin folding from alternative unfolded ensembles

We have performed the first unbiased folding simulations of the GB1 hairpin in explicit solvent, using hundreds of microsecond-long molecular dynamics simulations (total time: 0.7 ms). Our simulations are initiated from two sets of structures. Starting from an equilibrium unfolded state, we obtain single-exponential folding kinetics with rate coefficients in good agreement (T = 350 K) or within an order of magnitude (T = 300 K) of the experimental values. However, simulations initiated from unfolded configurations lacking secondary structure result in biexponential kinetics with an additional fast nanosecond kinetic mode. This mode can strongly bias the folding rate estimated from the mean first passage time, when the trials are much shorter than the folding time. We find that the mechanism of the hairpin folding is insensitive to the details of the initial unfolded ensemble and is initiated by correct formation of the turn of the hairpin, followed by the formation of the native hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts, consistent with experimental ϕ-value analysis. Subsequent native interactions can be formed either from the turn or from the hairpin termini, helping to explain an apparent discrepancy in experimental results. From our simulations, we also obtain the transition path durations, a critical parameter for single molecule experiments aiming to resolve events along folding pathways. The lengths of transition paths span a wide range, from 50 ps to 140 ns, at 300 K.
Plan Design and Work/ Life Management in Incentive Compensation

For many organizations during the bull market of the 1990s, attracting, retaining and motivating highly qualified employees were a matter of offering them sufficiently large stock grants, option grants and/or bonuses. Such is no longer the case. For both the employees participating in incentive compensation plans and the employers who are sponsoring such plans, deteriorating economic conditions have encouraged a more sober view of incentive compensation. With incentive payouts harder to come by, employees are increasingly concerned about three potential problems: being held accountable for goals they cannot attain, opportunities for rewards that are not commensurate with the compensation risk they are being asked to take and managers who are not going to provide the support necessary for them to optimize the opportunities for goal attainment and rewards. As a result of such concerns, there is a renewed interest in the fundamentals of effective incentive compensation. Most notably, there is a renewed interest in the importance of both plan design and managerial support to incentive compensation. This article addresses these issues in detail.
Service quality in outsourced facility maintenance services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess service quality of outsourced facility maintenance services (FMS) from end‐user perspective. For this purpose, a two‐dimensional model for service quality in a FMS context is presented.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on interviews in case study organizations.Findings – The findings suggest that FMS quality may be divided into two industry‐specific dimensions – service recovery quality (response to a service failure) and observed maintenance quality (technical outcome). It seems that the main quality problems are linked to service recovery quality. These problems are caused by personalities of service personnel and lack of communication between end‐users and the service provider.Practical implications – For FMS providers and building owners it is important to understand the nature of end‐user perceived FMS quality formation. This makes it possible to assess the service provision and to improve the performance of FMS if necessary. If the ser.
CSR disclosure on the web: major themes in the banking sector

Purpose - – Corporate social responsibility became a core topic in the management and activity of banks. Being a bidirectional, permanent, updateable and universal access communication channel, the internet contributed to transform the way the organizations report social responsibility to stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to understand how the banks use their web sites to disclose their social responsibility concerns and activities. Design/methodology/approach - – The globe was divided in 11 regions, according to geographic and cultural criteria. Information was gathered from the corporate web sites of the ten major banks in each region, and their contents were analyzed. Geographic patterns and the correlation to universal development indicators were studied. Findings - – The banks disclose on their web sites information on environmental management and socioeconomic programs. Other recurrent themes are the support to education, fight against corruption, workers’ welfare, corporate ethics and the existence of codes of conduct. There are geographic patterns in the quantity and detail of the information provided, as well as in the themes mentioned. The banks located in Europe, the American continent, and Oceania, are those who disclose more information. This confirms that the disclosure of social responsibility by the banks is larger and more detailed according to the development indexes of the country where they operate. Originality/value - – The work studies the disclosure on the internet of information on social responsibility by the banks, being the first work to do it at the world level. This way, it provides a significant contribution to identify the themes that are more often disclosed and to establish comparisons between geographic areas.