Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Do I Know What You Know? Patent Examiners and the Generation of Patent Citations

Analysis of patent citations is a core methodology in the study of knowledge diffusion, and forward citations are used as a measure of impact of innovations. However, citations made by patent examiners have not been separately reported, adding unknown noise to the data. We leverage a recent change in the reporting of patent data showing citations added by examiners. The magnitude is high: examiners add 40 per cent of all citations and two-thirds of citations on the average patent are inserted by examiners. Furthermore, 40 per cent of all patents have all citations added by examiners. We analyse the distribution of examiner and inventor citations with respect to self-citation, distance, technology overlap, and vintage. Results indicate that inferences about inventor knowledge may suffer from bias or overinflated significance levels. For a cohort of very highly-cited patents, examiners and inventors select different patents for citation, with the majority of the cohort cited by inventors. Over time, inventor and examiner forward citation streams converge, suggestive of a learning process that has not been previously considered in the literature.
Brugia malayi infective larvae fail to activate Langerhans cells and dermal dendritic cells in human skin

Filarial infection in humans is initiated when a mosquito deposits third‐stage parasite larvae (L3) in the skin. Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) are the first cells that the parasite encounters, and L3s must evade these highly effective antigen‐presenting cells to establish infection. To assess LC and DDC responses to L3 in human skin, we employed three models of increasing physiologic relevance: in vitro‐generated LCs, epidermal blister explants and full‐thickness human skin sections. In vitro‐generated LCs expressed TLR1‐10 and robustly produced IL‐6 and TNF‐α in response to PolyI:C, but pre‐exposure to L3s did not alter inflammatory cytokine production or TLR expression. L3s did not modulate expression of LC markers CDH1, CD207, or CD1a, or the regulatory products TSLP or IDO in epidermal explants or in vitro‐generated LC. LC, CD14+ DDC, CD1c+ DC and CD141+ DC from human skin sections were analysed by flow cytometry. While PolyI:C potently induced CCL22 production in LC, CD1c+ DC, and CD141+ DC, and IL‐10 production in LC, L3s did not modulate the numbers of or cytokine production by any skin DC subset. L3s broadly failed to activate or modulate LCs or DDCs, suggesting filarial larvae expertly evade APC detection in human skin.
The roles of habitat and intraguild predation by coyotes on the spatial dynamics of kit foxes

Intraguild predation (IGP) by a dominant predator can drive the spatial dynamics of a subordinate predator and may explain space-use patterns that deviate from theoretical predictions that species will use areas that maximize the availability of limited resources (resource availability hypothesis). Intraguild predation may suppress the distribution and abundance of mesopredators, but spatial resource partitioning may facilitate coexistence, with the subordinate carnivore utilizing suboptimal habitats. In arid systems, free-standing water was historically scarce, limiting the distribution of larger-bodied predators and offering large areas of refugia for smaller, arid-adapted species, such as the kit fox (Vulpes macrotis). In these systems, the development of artificial water sources may facilitate an increase in the distribution and abundance of larger carnivores (e.g., coyotes [Canis latrans]), perhaps to the detriment of kit foxes. We coupled noninvasive genetic sampling and dynamic occupancy models to evaluate the spatial dynamics of kit foxes and their intraguild predators, coyotes, in western Utah, United States. We evaluated the influence of habitat characteristics on coyote occupancy patterns, and then investigated the role of habitat and coyotes on kit fox space use at multiple scales. Coyote occupancy was unrelated to water availability, but was positively related to the proportion of shrubland and woodland cover, a pattern consistent with predictions of the resource availability hypothesis. Supporting predictions of IGP theory, kit fox occupancy was negatively related to shrubland and woodland cover, minimizing overlap with land-cover types favoring coyote occupancy. Furthermore, kit fox probability of local extinction was positively related to coyote activity. Interestingly, kit fox detection was positively related to coyote activity (i.e., kit fox detection was higher on spatial surveys with greater coyote sign), suggesting that at finer scales, kit foxes utilized riskier habitats to secure sufficient resources. Our results identified two alternative states predicted by IGP theory (i.e., intraguild predator dominated and coexistence of intraguild predator and intraguild prey) in a single system and elucidated the importance of considering dynamic processes and scale when investigating IGP.
Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Leaks With a Removable, Covered, Self-expanding Metallic Stent

Background Anastomotic and staple line leaks are serious complications after upper gastrointestinal and bariatric procedures. In patients who are actively septic “diversion and drainage” with aspiration of esophageal and gastric secretions, operative placement of perianastomotic drains, bowel rest, and parenteral nutrition form the conventional management strategy of leaks. Treatment of leaks by direct suture repair, revision, patching, and application of fibrin glue to leaks have failed to gain widespread acceptance owing to a high failure rate in the septic patient. This report describes a case series where anastomotic leaks in patients with established sepsis after upper gastrointestinal resections and bariatric procedures as well as Boerhaave syndrome were managed with a combination of surgical drainage and stent placement. A new technique where the stent is sutured into place transluminally to prevent migration is described. Method Seven patients with staple line and anastomotic dehiscences and a single case of Boerhaave syndrome were treated at St George Hospital, Sydney, over the period January 2003 to December 2006 by using a removable, polyester covered self-expanding metal stent (ELLA Boubella, Ella-CS, Hradec, Czech Republic). All patients had active severe sepsis and significant contamination in the abdomen or thorax at the time of stenting. In 4 cases, the stent was sutured in place with dissolvable synthetic sutures with suture bites incorporating the full thickness of the gut wall and the stent itself to prevent stent migration. Results All patients showed resolution of their intra-abdominal sepsis and were able to resume an oral diet after stenting. All stents were retrieved endoscopically after clinical resolution of the leak. Stent migration after leak resolution was observed in 3 patients. In patients with large defects or minimal anatomic barriers to stent migration, suture fixation stabilized the stent. There were no episodes of persistent leak or development of stricture in this series. Conclusions In this small series, the use of a removable covered stent in the setting of anastomotic leak or spontaneous perforation, alone or as an adjunct to conventional surgical management, is feasible in sealing the leak, resolving sepsis, and expediting return to enteral nutrition. Stenting is feasible in cases with substantial tissue loss or contamination. Suturing the stent transluminally stabilizes the stent where risk of migration is high.
Serum adiponectin, C-reactive protein and TNF-alpha levels in obese Korean children.

AIM To determine whether there are differences of serum adiponectin, CRP and TNF-a levels between obese and non-obese children and to investigate the relationship between childhood obesity and inflammation. METHODS A total of 103 (73 obese, 30 non-obese) children were evaluated for height, weight, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). We measured serum adiponectin, hs-CRP, and TNF-alpha levels and analyzed their correlation with BMI, serum glucose, lipid profile and insulin resistance. RESULTS Serum adiponectin levels were significantly decreased in the obese children compared to non-obese children, and had a negative correlation with BMI, fasting glucose and HOMA-IR. Serum hs-CRP and TNF-alpha levels were increased in obese children compared to non-obese children, and had a positive correlation with BMI. CONCLUSIONS Serum adiponectin level was decreased and serum CRP and TNF-alpha levels were increased in obese children. Our findings suggest that childhood obesity is associated with inflammatory processes.
Multiple description discrete cosine transform-based image coding using DC coefficient relocation and AC coefficient interpolation

Abstract. The development of an effective and dependable multiple description coding scheme over a lossy communication system is described. A general framework of an effective multiple description robust communication system with two-channel and four-channel cases is presented with a proposed block-based DC coefficient relocation and AC coefficient interpolation approach. A benefit of such system is that, if all the channels work properly, a very good quality, probably lossless, reconstruction can be obtained from the received descriptions. On the other hand, if some of the channels do not work properly, a lower but still quiet satisfactory quality of reconstruction can be obtained. The performance of the proposed scheme is measured with mean squared error, peak signal-to-noise ratio, entropy, and bit rate to analyze the reconstruction quality, and the computed results are matched with that of the other schemes. The system complexity is also computed and compared. Comparing the simulation results, it is observed that the proposed scheme, which uses a DC coefficient relocation and AC coefficient interpolation scheme, gives comprehensive enhancements over the other recently developed schemes.
N2-Based ICP-RIE Etching for InP-Based Photonic Crystal Membranes

Adding N2 into Cl2-based plasma discharges during the etching of InP-based photonic crystal in ICP-RIE system is shown to produce smooth sidewalls through the passivation of the etched surfaces. Here we present that the addition of BCI3 into this discharge allows to produce smooth and also vertical profiles in InP-based PhC structures. Positive ion current densities have been measured to characterize the plasma, and provide a perspective to understand the etching mechanism. An one missing row (Wl) photonic crystal membrane-waveguide fabricated by CI2/N2/BCI3 gas mixture exhibits a low propagation losses value of 35 dB/cm while operating below the light line.
The Effects of Limiting Accounting Discretion on the Informativeness of Financial Statements: Evidence from Software Revenue Recognition

This paper examines the effects on the informativeness of software companies' financial statements of limiting the amount of discretion with respect to software revenue recognition following the issuance of Statement of Position 91-1 in 1992. The requirement that companies adopt SOP 91-1 by restating earnings for prior periods allows to compare the value-relevance of two sets of data, the originally reported and the restated earnings numbers. I find that the originally reported numbers provide incremental information content over the more conservative restated earnings numbers. This finding is consistent with managers using their discretion in pre-SOP 91-1 periods to convey private information about their firms' underlying economics. Furthermore, relative to a control group of software firms less sensitive to the accounting change, I document a significant decline in the information content of sample firms' reported earnings following the issuance of SOP 91-1, as well as a significant increase in the voluntary disclosure of long-term earnings projections and non-financial information. I interpret these findings as evidence that limiting the amount of discretion has adversely affected managers' ability to communicate effectively with investors through the financial statements.
In Science We Trust? On the Relation Between Scientific Knowledge, Risk Consciousness and Public Trust

Characteristic of present-day risks is their increasing remoteness from lay people's perception and that scientific knowledge is required to gain knowledge of them. Science can thus be seen as the primary institution entrusted with knowledge claims about risks. However, contrary to this, people in many cases seem to ignore certain environmental risks despite the existence of scientific evidence that an activity or event constitutes a risk to human health. This article critically discusses the role of scientific knowledge and experts in trust-building, and investigates factors of importance for the creation of risk consciousness as well as trust. Attitudes of trust are usually incorporated in day-to-day activities, and in many cases trust is not caused by a conscious act of commitment. Thus when experts call for drastic changes in everyday life to avoid risk exposure, people may choose to ignore the recommendations to the advantage of their routine organizing and monitoring of everyday life.
The impact of service intangibility on consumer service quality expectations

Research consistently demonstrates the strategic benefits of providing quality in service delivery (Tse and Wilton 1988; Anderson and Zeithaml 1984). However, to deliver a quality service, it is first necessary to determine the level of quality expectations that consumers have for a particular service industry. This paper examines whether quality expectations vary across services based on their degree of total intangibility. A controlled, repeated measures design is utilised, whereby subjects are each asked to evaluate three services that vary in their degree of intangibility. Contrary to past findings, results indicate that consumer expectations for service quality do not vary with the level of intangibility of the service.
Working In Hotels and Catering

1. Sociology, work and the hospitality industry 2. Getting there: How to become a hospitality industry employee 3. Being there: pay and remuneration in hospitality services 4. Staying there? Organization, status and conflict in hotel and catering work 5. Occupations in the hospitality industry 6. Personnel management, labour turnover and the role of trade unions 7. De-skilling and work flexibility 8. International trends in employment 9. The future of hospitality work References Name Index Subject Index
Low-noise avalanche photodiodes with graded impact-ionization-engineered multiplication region

A novel impact-ionization-engineered multiplication region for avalanche photodiodes is reported. By pseudograding the multiplication region with materials of different ionization threshold energies, the impact ionization of the injected carrier type is localized, while that of the feedback carrier type is suppressed. Low noise (k/sub eff/<0.1), low dark current, and high gain were achieved.
Screening for Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in a Psychiatric Outpatient Population with Specific Focus on Sex Differences

Background/aims Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often overlooked in adults; moreover, the problem seems to be even more critical in women. In the present, observational screening study, a clinical, particularly adult outpatient population was examined regarding frequency and severity of a likely ADHD, whereby sex differences were of particular interest. Methods 224 participants, 146 men and 78 women, were included. Based on data recorded with the self-rating WHO screening instrument Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), it was examined how many participants were conspicuous for adult ADHD by exceeding a predefined cutoff value (COV) (COV ≥ 4 for ASRS-6, and ≥12 for ASRS-18). To examine frequency distributions, χ2 tests were conducted. For the inferential statistical comparison of means, t-tests for independent samples or Mann–Whitney U tests were calculated. Results 34.4% of the sample was screened positive in the ASRS-v1.1 screener short version, ASRS-6, while 17.4% were conspicuous in the symptom checklist, ASRS-18. There were indeed more men screened positive, but the difference in the frequency between the sexes was not statistically significant, indicating a balanced sex ratio. Further, severity of ADHD core symptoms inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity was examined by comparing ASRS-18 symptom subscale scores. In concordance with the hypothesis, men and women did not differ in severity of symptoms. Conclusion Results indicate that women might be affected by ADHD in a comparable manner as men; this emphasizes the importance for the awareness of ADHD in both sexes in clinical practice.
Exploring Hope, Self-Efficacy, Procrastination, and Study Skills between Cooperative and Non-Cooperative Education Students.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between participation in cooperative education, and several psychological constructs believed to be related to success in both academic and professional settings. Participants, undergraduate cooperative (n = 1224) and non-cooperative education (n = 746) students in all years of study and from several academic faculties, completed a survey measuring the psychological constructs of hope, self-efficacy, procrastination, and study-skills. Results indicated significant differences in several study skill characteristics as a function of co-op, gender, and faculty. No significant differences emerged between co-op and non-co-op students on the hope, self-efficacy, or procrastination scales. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed. (Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 2014, 15(1),69-79)
Can the internet promote democracy? A cross-country study based on dynamic panel data models

ABSTRACT In the age of information revolution, information and communication technologies are penetrating all levels of societies and are also influencing the political aspect of each country by providing some facilities such as the Internet and web technologies. Democracy, as a universal value and a political system, is also well known and has an important role in the sublimation of the human societies. This study attempts to examine the effect of Internet extension on democracy promotion by using a panel consisting of 122 countries covering the period from the year 2000 to 2014. In order to estimate the effect, and also to deal with the endogeneity and autocorrelation problems, the dynamic panel data models are employed in the study. The results of estimation models indicate that Internet extension has a significantly positive effect on democracy promotion during the period. In the end, some ideas for further research are presented.
How power electronics will reshape to meet the 21st century challenges?

With global drivers such as better energy consumption, energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gases, CO2 emission reduction has become key in every layer of the value chain. Power Electronics has definitely a role to play in these thrilling challenges. From converters down to compound semiconductors, innovation is leading to breakthrough technologies. Wide BandGap, Power Module Packaging, growth of Electric Vehicle market will game changed the overall power electronic industry and supply chain. In this presentation we will review power electronics trends, from technologies to markets.
Transforming growth factor‐β/Smad signalling in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major diabetic complication that is mediated by transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 via Smad‐dependent and ‐independent signalling pathways. Under diabetic conditions, many profibrotic factors, such as advanced glycation end‐products and angiotensin II, can also activate the Smad signalling pathway via the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase–Smad signalling cross‐talk pathway. Thus, Smads act as signal integrators and interact with other signalling pathways to mediate DN. In the context of renal fibrosis, Smad3 is pathogenic, but Smad2 is protective. Deletion of Smad3 inhibits, whereas disruption of Smad2 upregulates, connective tissue growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor expression and promotes both epithelial–myofibroblast and endothelial–myofibroblast transition. Smad7 plays a protective role in DN because deletion of Smad7 enhances, whereas overexpression of Smad7 inhibits, Smad3‐mediated renal fibrosis and nuclear factor‐κB‐driven renal inflammation. Transforming growth factor‐β1 activates Smad3 to regulate microRNAs that mediate renal fibrosis. Of these, miR‐21 and miR‐192 are upregulated, whereas the miR‐29 and miR‐200 families are downregulated. Targeting downstream TGF‐β/Smad signalling by overexpressing Smad7‐ or Smad3‐dependent microRNA related to fibrosis may represent a novel and effective strategy for the treatment of DN.
Embryo Exchanges and Adoption Tax Credits

The “Option of Adoption Act,” a Georgia law that was introduced by a staunchly anti-abortion Georgia state representative, establishes procedures for genetic donors to relinquish their rights to embryos before birth and permits, but does not require, embryo recipients to petition a court for recognition that they are the legal parents of a child born to them as a result of an embryo transfer. This article clears up what seems to be widespread confusion about a fairly straightforward question of tax law related to such embryo “adoptions. ” Notwithstanding various sources' claims to the contrary, neither a Georgia adoption tax credit nor a federal adoption tax credit is available for “adopting” an embryo.
Business Opportunity Evaluation : Design of a model for opportunity evaluation

How can companies determine which potential business opportunities they should execute? This research aims to answer that by developing a model which determines attractiveness of business opportunities. Based attractiveness, the model advises companies on whether or not to execute their business opportunities. The model was developed specifically to be lean and executable without spending large amounts of time, making it more suited for smaller companies. The literature review firstly investigated some ‘ingredients’ for the model; useful elements of already existing models for business opportunity evaluation, available evaluation criteria for business opportunity evaluation and a format for decision-making models. The research then analysed which of the found evaluation criteria in academic literature are suited for inclusion into a new model. This was investigated by holding semi-structured interviews in management of a small-medium enterprise. Afterwards, the model was developed and dubbed the Business Opportunity Evaluation Method. The model may be used by companies to analyse their business opportunities. The model provides an alternative to already existing models in academic literature. This research also adds to academic literature by showing which criteria are of interest to an SMEs, an aspect of opportunity evaluation that is not yet strongly investigated in academic literature.