Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is it purely instrumental?

Purpose This study mainly aims to examine whether entrepreneurs’ utilization of political connections is purely egoistic. Addressing this issue could shed light on traditional debate which concerns whether political connections still have strategic value at advanced stage of institutional transition today in China. Here, at the background of Chinese economic transformation, the utilization of political connections is studied, and a double-role model of the pro-self-mechanism and the pro-social mechanism between political connections and performance in China is put forward. Design/methodology/approach This study uses survey of questionnaires randomly from 363 entrepreneurs in Jiangsu, Anhui and Shandong Provinces of China and adopts the first stage and direct moderation model in examination. Findings The results show that there exists mediated mechanism of both pro-self and pro-social mechanism in the relationship between political connections and firm performance. The authors conclude that utilization of political connections is not only purely egoistic but also altruistic. So, both dark-side and bright-side mechanisms of political connections in China are of equal importance. In addition, the authors take into consideration of the contingency effects of institution, industry and firm-level factors of this moderation model. The pro-self and pro-social mechanisms have differences in terms of moderator-within and moderator-between comparisons of these three contingency effects. Among these comparisons, the pro-self-mediating mechanism is most sensitive to changes of institutional quality, whereas the pro-social mediating mechanism is most sensitive to the uncertainty of industry competition. Research limitations/implications This evidence furthermore verifies that the process of institutional transition is nonlinear and political connections still have strategic value in advanced stage of institutional transition today. Originality/value This study combines the dual perspectives of “give” and “take. ” The former implies the pro-social motivation, while the latter implies the pro-self-motivation. Based on the framework of “resource-conduct-performance,” this study explores how these two mechanisms mediate the relationship between political ties and firm performance. In addition, the authors adopt the framework of “Strategy Tripod,” which was proposed by Peng et al. (2009) and examine the difference between pro-self and pro-social motivation at different level of institution environment improvement, industry dynamics and firm absorptive capacity.
Electronic Portfolios for Developing Reflective Practice in Educational Leaders

The aim of this paper was to investigate how an electronic portfolio could promote reflective practice, professionalism and accountability in educational leaders in West Australian schools. Participants were trained in the navigation of a portfolio software application engineered by the author, then provided with skills in the various technical aspects required to use it effectively. The software was designed to encourage self analysis through reflective practice using the Wildy and Louden (2002) Leadership framework as the conceptual model for the study. Eighteen key qualities and attributes were identified by the group as crucial concerns of their leadership approach; values, the quality of the relationship they had with their staff, the school as a physical and cultural entity, curriculum, communication, students, parents and community, pedagogy, leadership, management process and policy as well as the resourcing of ICT infrastructure were important concerns. Change and change management permeated thinking. The findings also suggested a general perception by participants, that a positive attitude in the discharge of leadership responsibilities as educational leaders was a very important attribute which fostered an ability to create a collaborative and cooperative environment in which things could get done. The study has demonstrated that a carefully constructed portfolio based on a solid conceptual model can promote reflective practice which can develop critical consciousness and perspective transformation in school leaders.
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy: effects on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE To compare the diabetes-specific quality of life in subjects with type 1 diabetes treating their diabetes with multiple daily injections (MDI) to that of subjects on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). METHODS Diabetes-specific quality of life was measured with the DSQOLS-Questionnaire in 81 adult subjects with type 1 diabetes on MDI and 78 subjects on CSII (cross-sectional study). In addition, 19 subjects were followed prospectively, measuring their quality of life before and after switching from MDI to CSII (longitudinal study). RESULTS Preference-weighted treatment satisfaction score was significantly higher in subjects on CSII than in those on MDI in both the longitudinal (+63 points, 95%CI 37-89) and the cross-sectional study (+14 points, 95%CI 3 to 25). "Diet restrictions" were significantly less of a burden for CSII subjects in both the longitudinal (+6 points, 95%CI 1-10) and the cross-sectional study (+3 points, 95%CI 0 to 6). "Leisure time flexibility" (+3 points, 95%CI 0 to 7), "Physical complaints" (+4 points, 95%CI 1 to 8), "Daily hassles" (+4, 95%CI 0 to 7), and the overall quality of life (+29 points, 95%CI 3 to 54) were significantly better in CSII compared to MDI only in the longitudinal study. Despite a small overall rate of severe hypoglycaemia in both studies, subjects on CSII experienced fewer severe episodes than subjects on MDI. CONCLUSIONS Subjects with type 1 diabetes on CSII have a better quality of life than type 1 diabetic subjects on MDI. They are more satisfied with their treatment in respect to their metabolic goals as well as psychosocial factors, physical performance and protection from long-term complications and hypoglycaemia. Furthermore, the subjects on CSII experience greater flexibility in their daily routines, leisure time and diet than the subjects on MDI.
Buckling, stiffening, and negative dissipation in the dynamics of a biopolymer in an active medium

We present a generic theory for the dynamics of a stiff filament under tension, in an active medium with orientational correlations, such as a microtubule in contractile actin. In sharp contrast to the case of a passive medium, we find the filament can stiffen, and possibly oscillate or buckle, depending on both the contractile or tensile nature of the activity and the filament-medium anchoring interaction. We also demonstrate a strong violation of the fluctuation–dissipation (FD) relation in the effective dynamics of the filament, including a negative FD ratio. Our approach is also of relevance to the dynamics of axons, and our model equations bear a remarkable formal similarity to those in recent work [Martin P, Hudspeth AJ, Juelicher F (2001) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:14380–14385] on auditory hair cells. Detailed tests of our predictions can be made by using a single filament in actomyosin extracts or bacterial suspensions.
Sequential $Q$ -Learning With Kalman Filtering for Multirobot Cooperative Transportation

This paper presents a modified, distributed Q-learning algorithm, termed as sequential Q-learning with Kalman filtering (SQKF), for decision making associated with multirobot cooperation. The SQKF algorithm developed here has the following characteristics. 1) The learning process is arranged in a sequential manner (i.e., the robots will not make decisions simultaneously, but in a predefined sequence) so as to promote cooperation among robots and reduce their Q-learning spaces. 2) A robot will not update its Q-values with observed global rewards. Instead, it will employ a specific Kalman filter to extract its real local reward from the global reward, thereby updating its Q-table with this local reward. The new SQKF algorithm is intended to solve two problems in multirobot Q-learning: credit assignment and behavior conflicts. The detailed procedure of the SQKF algorithm is presented, and its application is illustrated using a prototype multirobot experimental system. The experimental results show that the algorithm has better performance than the conventional single-agent Q-learning algorithm or the team Q-learning algorithm in the multirobot domain.
The specific response to capacitating stimuli is a sensitive indicator of chilling injury in hypothermically stored boar spermatozoa

Boar spermatozoa are sensitive to storage temperatures below 15 °C. Chilling injury causes loss of motility and membrane integrity in a minority of cells, whereas the main population displays sublethal changes compromising fertility. In this study, changes of the response to capacitation conditions in hypothermically stored boar spermatozoa have been examined using a kinetic approach with well‐defined test and control media. Ejaculates of seven boars were diluted in Beltsville Thawing Solution kept for 3 h at 22 °C or cooled to 17, 10 and 5 °C and stored for 24 and 96 h. At each time point, the standard sperm parameters motility and membrane integrity were evaluated. Subsequently, washed subsamples were incubated in capacitating and control medium before flow cytometric analysis of intracellular calcium content using the Fluo‐3 probe and changes in phospholipid disorder using merocyanine. Kinetic changes of response parameters were monitored in viable (plasma membrane intact) cells. Chilling led to a loss of standard sperm quality traits in a minor subpopulation of cells, whereas storage length had no effect on these parameters. However, responses to incubation as determined by the loss of live cells with low intracellular calcium content showed marked changes in relation to storage conditions. The specific responsiveness to capacitation conditions decreased in close relation to storage temperature and length. In contrast, the merocyanine probe revealed to be limited to detect effects of hypothermic storage. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, no influence of chilling on membrane phase behaviour was found that might implicate decreased sperm function. In conclusion, assessment of response to capacitating media by monitoring intracellular calcium levels provides a sensitive measure for chilling injury in extended boar semen, and therefore, deserves implementation in hypothermic storage tests.
Screening, identification, and functional analysis of three novel missense mutations in the TRADD gene in children with ALL and ALPS

Apoptosis is known to be a crucial process involved in embryogenesis, development and homeostasis of the immune system. Impaired apoptosis causes dysfunction of lymphocyte homeostasis, growth advantage of tumor cells as well as resistance to current treatment protocols. To investigate the role of the apoptosis adaptor molecules TRADD and FADD in the development of hematological diseases, patient samples were screened for mutations in these genes.
Islet 1 (Isl1) Expression is a Reliable Marker for Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors and Their Metastases

Background Tracing the origin of a metastasis of a neuroendocrine carcinoma is a challenge. The transcription factors Cdx2 and TTF1 have been found to be helpful in identifying well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors of gastrointestinal and pulmonary origin, respectively. So far, such a marker is lacking for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PETs) and metastases thereof. Islet1 (Isl1) is a transcription factor expressed in pancreatic islet cells. The aim of this study was (1) to test the specificity and sensitivity of Isl1 as a marker of PETs, and (2) to test the specificity and sensitivity of a panel of markers, including Isl1, Cdx2, and TTF1, for the localization of the primary. Design One hundred eighty-eight primary gastroenteropancreatic and pulmonary endocrine tumors and 49 metastases thereof were examined. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies directed against Isl1, Cdx2, and TTF1 was performed and the staining results were scored semiquantitatively. Results Isl1 proved to be a highly specific marker for pancreatic endocrine tumors. In 84 primary PET its specificity was 78.4% (sensitivity 74.3%) and in 18 metastases of PET the specificity reached 100% (sensitivity 77.8%). Strong Cdx2 staining showed a specificity for gastrointestinal origin of 83.9% (sensitivity 82%) in primary tumors and of 100% (sensitivity 40%) in metastases. Including weakly positive tumors lead to a decreased specificity but an increased sensitivity. TTF1 expression was detected in 2 PET and 1 ileal primary tumor only and was absent in all metastases of gastroenteropancreatic endocrine tumors. Conclusions Isl1 is a reliable marker of pancreatic endocrine tumors and metastases thereof. It shows a comparable sensitivity and specificity as Cdx2 as a marker of ileal and appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors and their metastases. TTF1 is very rarely expressed in well-differentiated gastroentero-PETs. Therefore, the panel of Isl1, Cdx2, and TTF1 seems useful for examining metastases of well-differentiated endocrine carcinomas of unknown origin.
Spinal Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) Exerts Antinociceptive Effects Against Neuropathic Pain in a Mouse Model of L5 Spinal Nerve Ligation.

OBJECTIVE Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) exerts protective effects against ischemia and inflammation in the central nervous system. However, its role in neuropathic pain is still unclear. This study was undertaken to explore the distribution and possible mechanism of HO-1 in a mouse model of peripheral nerve injury. DESIGN AND METHODS The experiment was conducted using a mouse model of L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Mice received repeated intraperitoneal injection of Carbon monoxide-releasing molecule-2 (CO-RM-2), HO-1 inducer cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP) or single intraspinal injection of lentivirus (LV) over-expressing HO-1. The behavior analyses were conducted. The distribution and expression of HO-1 in the spinal cord were analyzed. RESULTS HO-1 but not HO-2 was upregulated in spinal cord microglia cells after nerve injury, and the repeated intraperitoneal administration of CORM-2 (10 mg/kg/d) or CoPP (5 mg/kg/d) both significantly reduced the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia induced by SNL (P < 0.01). Intraspinal injection of LV-HO-1 persistently suppresses SNL-induced neuropathic pain (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), significantly induced the spinal HO-1 protein content (P < 0.01) and inhibited the microglia activation (P < 0.01) 7 days after SNL. CONCLUSION HO-1 upregulation could elicit potent analgesic effects against neuropathic pain, which might partly be attributed to inhibition of spinal microglia activation. HO-1 signaling pathway may present a novel strategy for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Unraveling the biogeographic origins of the Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) invasion in North America.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Using phylogeographic analyses to determine the geographic origins of biological invaders is important for identifying environmental adaptations and genetic composition in their native range as well as biocontrol agents among indigenous herbivores. Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and its hybrid with northern watermilfoil (M. sibiricum) are found throughout the contiguous United States and southern Canada, forming one of the most economically costly aquatic plant invasions in North America, yet the geographic origin of the invasion remains unknown. The objectives of our study included determining the geographic origin of Eurasian watermilfoil in North America as well as the maternal lineage of the hybrids. METHODS DNA sequence data from a cpDNA intron and the nrDNA ITS region were compiled for accessions from 110 populations of Eurasian watermilfoil and hybrids from North America and the native range (including Europe, Asia, and Africa). Datasets were analyzed using statistical parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetics to assess the geographic origin of the invasion. KEY RESULTS The two Eurasian watermilfoil cpDNA haplotypes in North America are also found from China and Korea, but not elsewhere in the native range. These haplotypes did not overlap and were limited in native geographic range. The ovule parent for hybrids can come from either parental lineage, and multiple haplotypes from both parental species were found. CONCLUSIONS The geographic origin of this prolific aquatic plant invasion of North America is in Asia. This provides critical information to better understand the invasion pathway and inform management into the future.
Optimal asset allocation for a bank under risk control

Motivated by the Basel III requirement we analyze an optimal Capital Adequacy Ratio subject to foreclosure risk exposure. We assume that the banker invests in treasuries, a stock index and a loan portfolio, where he/she wishes to maximize his/her expected utility of terminal wealth by selecting optimal investment and risk control strategies. The dynamics of the stock index and the banker’s risk exposure towards foreclosure is modeled as two independent compensated pure jump Lévy Processes. By applying the martingale approach we obtain a closed form solution for this optimization problem under a quadratic utility function. A negative correlation between the banker’s foreclosure risk and the price dynamics of stock index will result in a reduced amount invested in stock index fund while a positive correlation between the banker’s foreclosure risk and the price dynamics of stock index will increase the amount invested in stock index fund.
Improving delirium care through early intervention: from bench to bedside to boardroom

Delirium is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome that impacts adversely upon patient outcomes and healthcare outcomes. Delirium occurs in approximately one in five hospitalised patients and is especially common in the elderly and patients who are highly morbid and/or have pre-existing cognitive impairment. However, efforts to improve management of delirium are hindered by gaps in our knowledge and issues that reflect a disparity between existing knowledge and real-world practice. This review focuses on evidence that can assist in prevention, earlier detection and more timely and effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of emergent cases and their aftermath. It points towards a new approach to delirium care, encompassing laboratory and clinical aspects and health services realignment supported by health managers prioritising delirium on the healthcare change agenda. Key areas for future research and service organisation are outlined in a plan for improved delirium care across the range of healthcare settings and patient populations in which it occurs.
Resisting Technology-Enabled Change Within Healthcare Organization

Instead of the predominant view of resistance as one that occurs between the management and those lower in the hierarchy, we consider how acts of resisting would unfold between peer actors within a technology-enabled change project for a large university hosptial. Drawing on institutional politics, we highlight the importance of understanding organizational resistance as a set of interrelated skillful acts, where the actions of resisters are not only co-constitutive with actions of agents of change but also interrelated across resisters at different levels of the organization. This case also illustrates how resisting actions could play out across an entire change process. Furthermore, our study highlights that resisting actions are not only discursive acts but are embodied and intertwined with artifacts in the form of objects of resistance and boundary markers objects. More importantly, our study shows that in institutional battles involving peer actors, resisters are more assertive and may enact more adv.
Sequential priming and boosting with heterologous HIV immunogens predominantly stimulated T cell immunity against conserved epitopes

Background:The effort to develop an effective preventive vaccine against HIV-1 infection is challenged by the wide genetic diversity of HIV-1 among different isolates. Objectives:To explore a new vaccination strategy by using heterologous HIV immunogens derived from different clades for sequential priming and boosting. Methods:HIV Env and Gag immunogens derived from Thailand B (B′), C/B′ recombinant and A/E recombinant were selected as these three clades account for 29%, 45% and 15% of HIV-1 prevalence in China, respectively. Three humanized fusion genes of env and gag derived from those three clades were synthesized and inserted into DNA and recombinant Tiantan vaccinia vectors as model vaccines. C57BL/6 and Balb/c mice were used as animal model. Peptides spanning the entire Env and Gag were used as stimuli and Elispot assay was used to assess the T cell immunity. Results:Sequential priming and boosting was observed with heterologous HIV immunogens predominantly stimulated T cell immunity against conserved epitopes, whereas a single vaccine derived from one clade or the mixture of multiple vaccines from different clades primarily raised T cells against less conservative or non-conservative epitopes. Conclusions:This is the first demonstration of a practical strategy to raise immune responses against conserved epitopes. This strategy has important implications for vaccine development against HIV and other pathogens that have high genetic diversity, such as influenza.
Maternal metabolism and obesity: modifiable determinants of pregnancy outcome.

BACKGROUND Obesity among pregnant women is highly prevalent worldwide and is associated in a linear manner with markedly increased risk of adverse outcome for mother and infant. Obesity in the mother may also independently confer risk of obesity to her child. The role of maternal metabolism in determining these outcomes and the potential for lifestyle modification are largely unknown. METHODS Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, the metaRegister of clinical trials and Google Scholar without limitations. Sensitive search strategies were combined with relevant medical subject headings and text words. RESULTS Maternal obesity and gestational weight gain have a significant impact on maternal metabolism and offspring development. Insulin resistance, glucose homeostasis, fat oxidation and amino acid synthesis are all disrupted by maternal obesity and contribute to adverse outcomes. Modification of lifestyle is an effective intervention strategy for improvement of maternal metabolism and the prevention of type 2 diabetes and, potentially, gestational diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Maternal obesity requires the development of effective interventions to improve pregnancy outcome. Strategies that incorporate a detailed understanding of the maternal metabolic environment and its consequences for the health of the mother and the growth of the child are likely to identify the best approach.
Europeanization of Public Administration in Eastern and Central Europe: The Challenge of Democracy and Good Governance

This paper deals with the Europeanization of public administration and public policy in the context of participative democracy and good governance. The main argument is that without a strong participative democracy, neither the efficiency nor the political legitimacy can develop properly in Central and East European (CEE) new democracies. This theoretical paper analyses the stages of development of the modern states in a comparative way as the polity, politics and policy stages. It points out that while CEE states are still only coping with the difficulties of the second stage, the most advanced member states are already in the third stage. Since the new democracies have