Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Different departments, different drivers: Asymmetry in antecedents and outcomes of voluntary knowledge exchange between sales and production functions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents and performance consequences of voluntary information exchange between the production and sales functions. Design/methodology/approach Building on the motivation-opportunity-ability framework, the authors first posit a general model for bilateral information exchange across functional levels. The innovation presented in this model consists in allowing both sides of such an exchange (e.g. production-to-sales and sales-to-production) to differ in the perceived adequacy of information they receive. The two sides can also differ in terms of how their motivation and ability impact that adequacy. To test the model, the authors make use of survey responses and objective data from sales, production and executive managers of 182 Chinese manufacturers. Findings Analysis of the sample shows that the sales-to-production exchange has a smaller estimated performance effect than the production-to-sales exchange. Although shared opportunity is important in predicting both sides of the exchange, the measure of motivation appears to only significantly impact the sales-to-production exchange. In contrast, the measure of ability only appears to significantly affect the production-to-sales exchange. Research limitations/implications Although limited to a regional context, differences in information-sharing drivers on the two sides of production-sales dyads pose strong implications that may be generalizable. Practical implications Specifically, these findings suggest alternative approaches and foci for resource investment that higher level managers can leverage in developing more effective cross-functional work settings. Originality/value This study differentiates itself from extant literature on information sharing by focusing on cross-functional (vs intra-functional) and voluntary (vs routine) information exchange.
Genetic variability in autochthonous Basques from Guipuzcoa: a view from MHC microsatellites

Five short tandem repeats (STRs) located at human chromosome 6 were analysed in 97 autochthonous Basques from Guipuzcoa (northern Spain), with the aim of assessing the genetic relationships of Basques at a European scale, based on the variability of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, and comparing the phylogenetic information obtained from STRs, and from HLA class I genes (HLA‐A and HLA‐B) for the same set of European populations. The integrative approach was focused on D6S265 and D6S2792, according to availability of population databases. FST genetic distances obtained from STRs and from HLA loci were very similar, thereby describing a comparable pattern of genetic structuring among the European populations. These findings were supported by results of the Mantel test of matrix correspondence (r = 0.796, P = 0.0022) and by significant correlations between the first two FST eigenvectors of STRs and HLA genes. Coinciding with previous phylogenetic studies, Basques showed substantial genetic differentiation within the European context, probably as a result of the impact of random genetic drift and high inbreeding levels for extended periods of isolation even from adjacent populations. Analysis of the geographical distribution of the allele frequencies revealed a great number of latitudinal frequency clines in both the MHC STRs and the HLA class I genes, which supports the notion of the post‐glacial resettlement of Europe being a crucial factor in the genetic make‐up of Europeans. Our results indicate that analysing the genetic variability of MHC microsatellites could be a suitable strategy in evaluating the role of evolutionary forces such as natural selection (because of genetic hitchhiking effect), genetic drift and gene flow in the maintenance of polymorphism at the MHC region, because STRs can efficiently complement the genetic information obtained from HLA genes.
Reliability of Grading Lissamine Green Conjunctival Staining

Purpose: To assess the reliability of a lissamine green grading scale for conjunctival images. Methods: A 20-second video clip of the right eye of 288 contact lens-wearing individuals was recorded using a digital slip-lamp camera after instilling liquid lissamine green. A single nasal and temporal still image were selected. A masked reader used the Oxford grading scale to grade the images on two occasions whereas a second masked reader graded each image on 1 occasion. κ statistics and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine the within- and between-grader reliability overall and when the sample was stratified by age, sex, contact lens type, and disease severity. Results: There was substantial within-grader reliability for both the nasal (κsimple = 0.69, 95% CI, 0.63-0.75) and temporal (κsimple = 0.73, 95% CI, 0.67-0.79) images. There was moderate between-grader reliability for both the nasal (κsimple = 0.51, 95% CI, 0.44-0.58) and temporal (κsimple = 0.51, 95% CI, 0.44-0.58) images. Age, sex, and contact lens type did not affect within- or between-examiner reliability. There may have been an influence of disease severity on within-examiner reliability, because grading of the temporal images was significantly less reliable in the images with more significant staining. Conclusion: Within- and between-grader reliability of lissamine green staining seems to be at least substantial to moderate. Because the extent of conjunctival staining may influence reliability, this should be considered when studies may include patients with significant staining.
Modelling tourists’ length of stay

Modelling of tourists’ length of stay (LOS) is an expanding topic of study. A common thread in this literature is the use of sophisticated statistical/econometric methods. The present study builds on and extends an article critical of the statistical craftsmanship in prior LOS modelling studies. On the basis of an updated assessment of current practice and two small-scale case studies, two main conclusions are drawn. First, the available evidence suggests that the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model produces qualitatively similar findings to much more complicated methods, such as duration and count data models. The principle of parsimony and the so-called KISS rule thus dictate that OLS regression analysis should be the preferred estimation technique in LOS modelling studies. Second, the quality of LOS modelling studies will most likely be improved by intensifying the use of the long-established tools of the trade explicated in influential econometric textbooks rather than by testing new estimation methods.
Mutations of FLT3, NRAS, KRAS, and PTPN11 are frequent and possibly mutually exclusive in high hyperdiploid childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Although it has been suggested that mutations of the FLT3, NRAS, KRAS, and PTPN11 genes are particularly frequent in high hyperdiploid (>50 chromosomes) pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs), this has as yet not been confirmed in a large patient cohort. Furthermore, it is unknown whether mutations of these genes coexist in hyperdiploid cases. We performed mutation analyses of FLT3, NRAS, KRAS, and PTPN11 in a consecutive series of 78 high hyperdiploid ALLs. Twenty‐six (33%) of the cases harbored a mutation, comprising six activating point mutations and one internal tandem duplication of FLT3 (7/78 cases; 9.0%), eight codon 12, 13, or 61 NRAS mutations (8/78 cases; 10%), five codon 12 or 13 KRAS mutations (5/78 cases, 6.4%), and seven exon 3 or 13 PTPN11 mutations (7/78 cases; 9.0%). No association was seen between the presence of a mutation in FLT3, NRAS, KRAS, or PTPN11 and gender, age, white blood cell count, or relapse, suggesting that they do not confer a negative prognostic impact. Only one case harbored mutations in two different genes, suggesting that mutations of these four genes are generally mutually exclusive. In total, one third of the cases harbored a FLT3, NRAS, KRAS, or PTPN11 mutation, identifying the RTK‐RAS signaling pathway as a potential target for novel therapies of high hyperdiploid pediatric ALLs. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FDG‐PET/MRI Coregistration and Diffusion‐Tensor Imaging Distinguish Epileptogenic Tubers and Cortex in Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: A Preliminary Report

Summary: Purpose: Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are potential surgical candidates if the epileptogenic region(s) can be accurately identified. This retrospective study determined whether FDG‐PET/MRI coregistration and diffusion‐tensor imaging (DTI) showed better accuracy in the localization of epileptogenic cortex than structural MRI in TSC patients.
Neocortical Microenvironment in Patients with Intractable Epilepsy: Potassium and Chloride Concentrations

Summary: Purpose: The regulation of extracellular ion concentrations plays an important role in neuronal function and epileptogenesis. Despite the many studies into the mechanisms of epileptogenesis in human experimental models, no data are available regarding the fluctuations of extracellular potassium ([K+]o) and chloride ([Cl−]o) concentrations, which could underlie seizure susceptibility in human chronically epileptic tissues in vivo.
Ancestral Inference from Samples of DNA Sequences with Recombination

The sampling distribution of a collection of DNA sequences is studied under a model where recombination can occur in the ancestry of the sequences. The infinitely-many-sites model of mutation is assumed where there may only be one mutation at a given site. Ancestral inference procedures are discussed for: estimating recombination and mutation rates; estimating the times to the most recent common ancestors along the sequences; estimating ages of mutations; and estimating the number of recombination events in the ancestry of the sample. Inferences are made conditional on the configuration of the pattern of mutations at sites in observed sample sequences. A computational algorithm based on a Markov chain simulation is developed, implemented, and illustrated with examples for these inference procedures. This algorithm is very computationally intensive.
Rapid signal transduction in living cells is a unique feature of mechanotransduction

It is widely postulated that mechanotransduction is initiated at the local force–membrane interface by inducing local conformational changes of proteins, similar to soluble ligand-induced signal transduction. However, all published reports are limited in time scale to address this fundamental issue. Using a FRET-based cytosolic Src reporter in a living cell, we quantified changes of Src activities as a local stress via activated integrins was applied. The stress induced rapid (<0.3 s) activation of Src at remote cytoplasmic sites, which depends on the cytoskeletal prestress. In contrast, there was no Src activation within 12 s of soluble epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. A 1.8-Pa stress over a focal adhesion activated Src to the same extent as 0.4 ng/ml EGF at long times (minutes), and the energy levels for mechanical stimulation and chemical stimulation were comparable. The effect of both stress and EGF was less than additive. Nanometer-scale cytoskeletal deformation analyses revealed that the strong activation sites of Src by stress colocalized with large deformation sites of microtubules, suggesting that microtubules are essential structures for transmitting stresses to activate cytoplasmic proteins. These results demonstrate that rapid signal transduction via the prestressed cytoskeleton is a unique feature of mechanotransduction.
Aerobic and resistance exercise training effects on body composition, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness in an hiv—1 population

Although HIV-I infection rates peaked in the 1980s in the United States, advanced stage HIV disease will grow by about 40% in the next 40 years. This fact has signaled the need for intervention strategies that go beyond primary prevention and into treatment of the complications associated with this chronic disease. Recently, the role of exercise in reversing the wasting process experienced by individuals with HIV-1 has received much needed attention. The purpose of this study was to examine the independent contributions of a 12-week aerobic or resistance weight training exercise regimen in improving body composition, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness in an HT V-l population. Participants for this study (N = 33) were randomly assigned to an aerobic exercise training group, a resistance weight training group, or a stretching/flexibility control group. Measures of body composition, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness were assessed both prior to and following completion of the intervention. In general, the results revealed significant improvements in the amount of lean muscle tissue, upper and lower body muscular strength, and predicted V02max for exercise participants, whereas control participants experienced declines in all physiological measures. Based on these findings, it is suggested that exercise may be one complimentary therapeutic modality capable of combating the wasting process associated with advanced HIV-1 infection.
The Determinants of Debt Ownership Structure - Some Empirical Evidence

The determinants of debt structure have captured academic thought for many decades. If optimal debt structures do exist and that these structures maximize firm's value, obtaining an understanding of the determinants of debt structure is important in obtaining an understanding of the way firms maximize value. Decisions about debt structure may have important implications as regards to shareholder wealth effects. Therefore, understanding of the determinants of debt structure is of interest to academics, politicians, shareholders and financiers. This paper presents an empirical investigation of the factors determining debt structure of Indian Companies.
Deletion Mutagenesis Identifies a Haploinsufficient Role for γ-Zein in opaque2 Endosperm Modification1[C][W][OPEN]

A haploinsufficient role is identified for γ-zein in maize mutant endosperm modification. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) is a hard kernel variant of the high-lysine mutant opaque2. Using γ-irradiation, we created opaque QPM variants to identify opaque2 modifier genes and to investigate deletion mutagenesis combined with Illumina sequencing as a maize (Zea mays) functional genomics tool. A K0326Y QPM deletion mutant was null for the 27- and 50-kD γ-zeins and abolished vitreous endosperm formation. Illumina exon and RNA sequencing revealed a 1.2-megabase pair deletion encompassing the 27- and 50-kD γ-zein genes on chromosome 7 and a deletion of at least 232 kb on chromosome 9. Protein body number was reduced by over 90%, while protein body size is similar to the wild type. Kernels hemizygous for the γ-zein deletion had intermediate 27- and 50-kD γ-zein levels and were semivitreous, indicating haploinsufficiency of these gene products in opaque2 endosperm modification. The γ-zein deletion further increased lysine in QPM in its homozygous and hemizygous states. This work identifies 27-kD γ-zein as an opaque2 modifier gene within the largest QPM quantitative trait locus and may suggest the 50-kD γ-zein also contributes to this quantitative trait locus. It further demonstrates that genome-wide deletions in nonreference maize lines can be identified through a combination of assembly of Illumina reads against the B73 genome and integration of RNA sequencing data.
Distributed finite-time tracking control for harmonic oscillators via output feedback control

This paper addresses the finite-time control problems for a single harmonic oscillator and multiple harmonic oscillators. First of all, an output feedback controller is adopted to solve the finite-time stabilization problem for a single harmonic oscillator. Rigorous proof shows that the harmonic oscillator can be stabilized in finite time. Then, the finite-time consensus tracking for a group of harmonic oscillators is investigated, where each agent can only share its position states with its neighbors. A new type of observer-based control algorithm is proposed to achieve the finite-time consensus tracking in multi-agent systems with a virtual leader. The communication topology among the followers is undirected and only a subset of followers can obtain the information from the leader. By using the homogeneous theory, it is theoretically shown that the states of the followers can track that of the leader in finite time. Numerical simulations are finally given to illustrate the theoretical results.
Treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients: A cohort study comparing surgical resection and percutaneous ethanol injection

This study was intended to compare the survival rates of two contemporary cohorts of patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinomas ≤ 4 cm subjected to surgical resection (n = 33) or percutaneous ethanol injection (n = 30). Outcomes in a third cohort, 21 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation, were also assessed. Surgical and ethanol‐treated patients were similar with regard to age and tumor stage, differing only in liver function; 30 of the 33 surgical patients were of Child‐Pugh class A, whereas only 7 of the 30 ethanol‐treated patients were of class A (p < 0.05). Surgical resection was successful in 30 cases; ethanol injection achieved initial success in 23 patients. Tumor recurrence rate at 2 yr was 45% in the surgical group and 66% in the ethanol group. The difference was significant only for cases with tumors between 3 and 4 cm. Despite poorer liver function, the 1‐, 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐yr survival rates of ethanol‐treated patients (83%, 66%, 55% and 34%, respectively) were not different from those of surgically treated patients (81%, 73%, 44% and 44%, respectively). The 1‐ and 2‐yr survival rates of patients given liver transplants were 81% and 66%, without tumor recurrence, after 16‐mo follow‐up. These data confirm that ethanol injection is a useful treatment for patients with solitary small hepatocellular carcinomas and suggest that surgical resection and liver transplantation may achieve better results only after strict candidate selection to reduce mortality and tumor recurrence during follow‐up. (HEPATOLOGY 1993;18:1121‐1126).
Incidence of duodenal ulcers and gastric ulcers in a Western population: back to where it started.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES As recently as 40 years ago, a decline in the incidence of peptic ulcers was observed. The discovery of Helicobacter pylori had a further major impact on the incidence of ulcer disease. Our aim was to evaluate the trends in the incidence and bleeding complications of ulcer disease in the Netherlands. METHODS From a computerized endoscopy database of a district hospital, the data of all patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from 1996 to 2005 were analyzed. The incidence of duodenal and gastric ulcers, with and without complications, were compared over time. RESULTS Overall, 20,006 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were performed. Duodenal ulcers were diagnosed in 696 (3.5%) cases, with signs of bleeding in 158 (22.7%). Forty-five (6.5%) of these ulcers were classified as Forrest I and 113 (16.2%) as Forrest II. Gastric ulcers were diagnosed in 487 cases (2.4%), with signs of bleeding in 60 (12.3%). A Forrest 1 designation was diagnosed in 19 patients (3.9%) and Forrest 2 in 41 patients (8.4%). The incidence of gastric ulcers was stable over time, while the incidence of duodenal ulcers declined. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of duodenal ulcer disease in the Dutch population is steadily decreasing over time. Test and treatment regimens for H pylori have possibly contributed to this decline. With a further decline in the prevalence of H pylori, the incidence of gastric ulcers is likely to exceed the incidence of duodenal ulcers in the very near future, revisiting a similar situation that was present at the beginning of the previous century.
Granulomatous liver involvement in a child with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and review of the literature

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is uncommon in young children and unusual in infancy. Although a variety of liver pathologies have been reported in SLE, presentation of this disease with granulomatous liver involvement is very rare. In this article, for the first time, we report an infant girl presenting with unexplained hepatosplenomegaly and non-necrotizing granulomatous liver involvement at the age of six months who later developed pancytopenia and proteinuria and was finally diagnosed with SLE at the age of three years. Therefore, we suggest that SLE could be considered as one of the possible differential diagnoses when infants or children present with unexplained granulomatous liver involvement.
Poster abstract: Distributed sparse approximation for frog sound classification

Sparse approximation has now become a buzzword for classification in numerous research domains. We propose a distributed sparse approximation method based on ℓ1 minimization for frog sound classification, which is tailored to the resource constrained wireless sensor networks. Our pilot study demonstrates that ℓ1 minimization can run on wireless sensor nodes producing satisfactory classification accuracy.
Giving Up on the Joneses? The Relationship between Income Inequality and Status-seeking

The objective of this article is to study status-seeking, defined as pursuit for elevated social status, and how it relates to income inequality. Building on sociological, psychological, and economic literature, we formulate two opposing hypotheses suggesting a positive and a negative relationship between income inequality and status-seeking. To test these hypotheses, we use repeated cross-sectional micro-data from the European Social Survey, which was collected biannually from 2002 to 2014, and use it in combination with income inequality data from Eurostat. With this data we complement existing studies by focusing on both between- and within-country over-time variability in income inequality and status-seeking. We find evidence of a negative relationship between income inequality and status-seeking. This supports the hypothesis that with higher levels of economic inequality people have less incentives and less motivation to strive for heightened social status.
The Entrepreneurial University: Vision and Metrics

Forged in different academic and national traditions, the university is arriving at a common entrepreneurial format that incorporates and transcends its traditional missions. The academic entrepreneurial transition arises from the confluence of the internal development of higher education institutions and external influences on academic structures associated with the emergence of ‘knowledge-based’ innovation. Policies, practices and organizational innovations designed to translate knowledge into economic activity as well as addressing problems from society have spread globally. The objective is to enable universities to play a creative role in economic and social development from an independent perspective while still being responsive to government and industry priorities. The entrepreneurial university model paradoxically includes both increased university autonomy and greater involvement of external stakeholders. However, to facilitate the successful development of the entrepreneurial university, the dominant metrics used to determine university rankings and academic performance need radical revision. This article concludes with a summary of the critical questions to be addressed by the recently launched Global Entrepreneurial University Metrics Initiative in its effort to develop a metrics system that will facilitate the evolution of the entrepreneurial university and emphasize the role of higher education in economic and social development.