Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation of drug‐resistant variants of HIV‐1 from patients on long‐term zidovudine therapy

We determined whether drug-resistant variants of HIV-1 could be isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 20 individuals with HIV infection (Centers for Disease Control groups II and III) on long-term zidovudine (AZT) therapy. Toward this end, zidovudine (10μM) has been included in the tissue culture medium used to isolate HIV-1. Under these circumstances, virus with a zidovudine-resistant phenotype was successfully obtained in five out of 20 cases. This property of drug resistance appeared to be stable, and did not disappear upon extended replication of such virus in the absence of drug pressure. Drug-resistant virus could also be isolated from thee subjects on subsequent occasions, but was not present in samples obtained prior to therapy. Replication of these zidovudine-resistant isolates in tissue culture was inhibited by each of four other nucleoside analogues. Thus, other drugs may be useful in controlling selective zidovudine-resistant variants of HIV-1.
Conducting Polyaniline-Electrical Charge Transportation

Conductive polyanilines are synthesized by doping with inorganic and organic acids, namely Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ±10-camphor sulfonic acid (CSA). The direct current (DC) conductivities (σDC) are found to be about 9.5 ′ 10-8, 1.8, and 95.8 S/cm for PANI base, PANI(HCl) and PANI(CSA), respectively. σDC is measured down to a temperature of ~100 K and the apparent change in the activation energies are found to be 98.16, 74.40, and 57.24 meV for PANI base, HCl, and CSA dopings respectively. σDC is less temperature dependent near room temperature, further decrease in temperature the σDC is strongly dependent. Upon the inspection of AC conductivities (σAC) versus frequency curves, it can be inferred that the conduction process is noticeably influenced upon doping and within the dopants. σAC has shown classical plateau (DC-AC crossover) region, nonetheless shifted crossover frequency (critical frequency) upon doping is rather interesting. Critical frequencies (wc) are obtained from universal power-law for all samples. The variation in the dielectric properties can be attributed to the dopant incorporation. In material characterization, successful doping is corroborated by FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopy and slight influence upon doping can also be seen in thermal properties. Intense photoluminescence (PL) peaks at 322.5, 581.4 and 644.2 nm are observed. PANI(CSA) exhibited highest peak intensity followed by PANI(HCl) and PANI base.
Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology FOXO 3 a Is a Major Target of Inactivation by PI 3 K / AKT Signaling in Aggressive Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a pediatric tumor of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system with a highly variable prognosis. Activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway in neuroblastoma is correlated with poorpatientprognosis, but theprecisedownstreameffectorsmediating this effect havenotbeendetermined.Here we identify the forkhead transcription factor FOXO3a as a key target of the PI3K/AKT pathway in neuroblastoma. FOXO3a expression was elevated in low-stage neuroblastoma tumors and normal embryonal neuroblasts, but reduced in late-stage neuroblastoma. Inactivation of FOXO3a by AKT was essential for neuroblastoma cell survival. Treatment of neuroblastoma cells with the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PI-103 activated FOXO3a and triggered apoptosis. This effect was rescued by FOXO3a silencing. Conversely, apoptosis induced by PI-103 or the AKT inhibitor MK-2206 was potentiated by FOXO3a overexpression. Furthermore, levels of total or phosphorylatedFOXO3acorrelated closelywith apoptotic sensitivity toMK-2206. In clinical specimens, therewas an inverse relationship between gene expression signatures regulated by PI3K signaling and FOXO3a transcriptional activity. Moreover, highPI3K activity and lowFOXO3a activitywere each associatedwith an extremely poor prognosis. Our work indicates that expression of FOXO3a and its targets offer useful prognosticmarkers as well as biomarkers for PI3K/AKT inhibitor efficacy in neuroblastoma. Cancer Res; 73(7); 1–10. 2013 AACR.
Improving Knowledge Graph Embedding Using Simple Constraints

Embedding knowledge graphs (KGs) into continuous vector spaces is a focus of current research. Early works performed this task via simple models developed over KG triples. Recent attempts focused on either designing more complicated triple scoring models, or incorporating extra information beyond triples. This paper, by contrast, investigates the potential of using very simple constraints to improve KG embedding. We examine non-negativity constraints on entity representations and approximate entailment constraints on relation representations. The former help to learn compact and interpretable representations for entities. The latter further encode regularities of logical entailment between relations into their distributed representations. These constraints impose prior beliefs upon the structure of the embedding space, without negative impacts on efficiency or scalability. Evaluation on WordNet, Freebase, and DBpedia shows that our approach is simple yet surprisingly effective, significantly and consistently outperforming competitive baselines. The constraints imposed indeed improve model interpretability, leading to a substantially increased structuring of the embedding space. Code and data are available at https://github.com/iieir-km/ComplEx-NNE_AER.
Workforce motivation in Japan: an examination of gender differences and management perceptions

As Japan enters the new century, pending workforce shortages – a function of low birth rates and an aging population – increase the need to address gender issues in organizations. Throughout the past four decades, the number of female workers in Japan has been growing, although full-time female participation in the Japanese workforce remains below the levels of some other industrialized nations. Despite the growing importance that the Japanese female labor force is expected to play, relatively little is known about women's attitudes toward work motivation in Japan. Using a two-factor, Herzberg intrinsic/extrinsic approach to motivation, we examine the applicability of such a model in Japan, and compare the attitudes of female and male workers, as well as management and non-management. Our findings include: (1) support for the applicability of a Herzberg, two-factor model in Japan; (2) Japanese men in the workforce tending to value intrinsic motivators more than extrinsic factors; (3) female workers in Japan rating extrinsic factors higher than their male counterparts; and (4) managers' opinions of what motivates employees not constituting a refined match to those of female employees, especially with respect to extrinsic motivation. In multi-gender Japanese organizations, management will potentially benefit from a better understanding and functional integration of important gender nuances into their motivation strategies.
Psychosocial problems among children of parents with posttraumatic stress disorder.

BACKGROUND To assess the expression of psychosocial problems among children of parents with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). MATERIAL AND METHODS A group of 100 children of school age (from 10 to 5 years old) from two randomly chosen schools has been analyzed. Children from complete families whose parents accepted psychometric measurement related to trauma have been chosen. Subjects were divided into two groups: a group of children whose parents express the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-experimental group (N = 50) and group of children whose parents are not suffering from PTSD-control group (N = 50). The assessment of PTSD symptoms and parental traumatisation is done by Harvard Trauma Questionnaire-version for Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) (Allden et al., 1998), behavioral problems were assessed by Child Behavior Checklist--as reported by parents (CBCL, Achenbach, 1991), the level of traumatisation and posttraumatic symptoms in children by the Impact of Event Scale (Horowitz, Wilner, Alvarez, 1979), and neurotism and extraversion is estimated by Neurotism and Extraversion Scale (HANES). With regard to gender and parental participation the sample is homogenous. Data are processed by descriptive statistics method. RESULTS Children whose parents are suffering from PTSD symptoms show statistically significant increase in behavioral problems such as withdrawal, somatic complaints, thought problems, delinquent and aggressive behavior (p < 0.001), anxiety/depression, attention deficit and problems in social relations (p < 0.005). Male subjects showed more prominent delinquent behavior (p < 0.01). Children whose parents have PTSD symptoms show significantly expressed internalisation (p < 0.001) and higher level of stress (Chi2 = 23.528, p < 0.001), compared to children of parents without PTSD. There is statistically significant difference regarding the mean (M) of symptom groups among the analyzed groups of subjects related to the symptoms of intrusion (p < 0.01) and symptoms of avoidance (p < 0.001). Significantly expressed neurotism is present in children of parents with PTSD (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The results show that children of parents with PTSD express a significant behavioral problems, higher level of neurotism, internalisations, posttraumatic stress reactions, symptoms of intrusion and avoidance as well as significantly higher level of stress compared to children of parents without PTSD.
Effects of scaling and root planing on clinical response and serum levels of adipocytokines in patients with obesity and chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND Despite several investigations suggesting that obesity is a risk indicator for periodontitis, little is known about the effect of obesity on periodontal treatment response. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical parameters and circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin in patients with obesity with chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS Twenty-four patients with obesity and CP and 24 patients without obesity with CP were submitted to SRP. Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months after therapy. Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were evaluated at all time points, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS SRP improved the clinical parameters of both groups at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, the patients without obesity presented a lower mean probing depth (PD) at 6 months after therapy and a greater reduction in PD from baseline to 6 months in the full-mouth analysis (primary outcome variable) and in initially deep sites (P < 0.05). Leptin serum levels were higher in patients with obesity than in patients without obesity at all time points (P < 0.05). No changes in the serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were observed in groups with and without obesity after therapy (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with obesity and CP presented lower reductions in PD than patients without obesity with CP at 6 months after SRP. Furthermore, the treatment did not affect the circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin in any group.
Empirical relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth: An ARDL co-integration approach for China

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to find out empirically the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth and it will also highlight the relationship status between the variables included in the model, either long- or short-run in case of China. Design/methodology/approach - This study uses secondary data obtained from World Development Indicators over the period 1985-2009, whose viability has also been checked through the World Bank and IFS. An Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test is used to estimate an autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) approach to co-integration as the variables in the model are in I(1) and I(0) form and the Schwarz Bayesian Criterion (SBC) is used in this study to find out the estimated lags of the model, which are ultimately used to find out the short- and long-run relationship of the variables included in the model. The error correction model (ECM) was also applied which basically provides information about the causal factors that may affect the variables included in the model. Findings - The results provide evidence that there is an empirical relationship among FDI and economic growth. The computed value of Practical implications - The Government of China should keep keen emphasis on the ingredients of this study so that China could reap maximum share of FDI through the achievement of positive spillovers of foreign investment, which ultimately results in its economic growth. However, the ingredients of this study depict the expenditures on security status, growth options as well as on infrastructure. This study also gives better impending in decision making about FDI in case of China. Originality/value - This study bridges the gap between theory and practice and proves empirically the relationship between FDI and economic growth through auto regressive distributive lag approach (ARDL) to co-integration in case of China. This research includes most dominating factors in the model which differentiate it from all previous empirical researches related to FDI's relationship with economic growth. However, this study not only pin points the new dominating factors related to this kind of relationship, but also set up a new horizon in the field of research to get groundbreaking results – in case of other countries – by following the footings set by this research.
Smokeless tobacco use among men in the United States, 2000 and 2005.

BACKGROUND Compared with smoking, there is much less information about smokeless tobacco (ST) use in the United States. The purpose of this study is to characterize and compare ST use among American men in 2000 and 2005. METHODS We used US National Health Interview Surveys from 2000 and 2005 to estimate the prevalence of ST use, describe the demographic and socioeconomic profile of ST users and evaluate ST use according to product type and with respect to smoking. RESULTS The prevalence of ST use among American men was 4.4% in 2000 and 4.3% in 2005. Almost all ST users were white, about half were 25-44 years old and 80% lived in the South or Midwest, commonly in small metropolitan and rural areas. Educational and income levels of ST users were lower than those of never users of tobacco. One-third of ST users also smoked; cigarette consumption was lower among dual users than among exclusive smokers. In 2005, 1.3 million current ST users were former smokers but 3.2 million smokers were former ST users. ST users were evenly distributed between snuff (43%) and chewing tobacco (44%) in 2000 and 13% used both products. By 2005 snuff use was clearly dominant. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of ST use among men is low but stable; dual use of cigarettes and ST is common, and snuff has become the dominant ST product.
Wound healing essentials: Let there be oxygen

The state of wound oxygenation is a key determinant of healing outcomes. From a diagnostic standpoint, measurements of wound oxygenation are commonly used to guide treatment planning such as amputation decision. In preventive applications, optimizing wound perfusion and providing supplemental O2 in the perioperative period reduces the incidence of postoperative infections. Correction of wound pO2 may, by itself, trigger some healing responses. Importantly, approaches to correct wound pO2 favorably influence outcomes of other therapies such as responsiveness to growth factors and acceptance of grafts. Chronic ischemic wounds are essentially hypoxic. Primarily based on the tumor literature, hypoxia is generally viewed as being angiogenic. This is true with the condition that hypoxia be acute and mild to modest in magnitude. Extreme near‐anoxic hypoxia, as commonly noted in problem wounds, is not compatible with tissue repair. Adequate wound tissue oxygenation is required but may not be sufficient to favorably influence healing outcomes. Success in wound care may be improved by a personalized health care approach. The key lies in our ability to specifically identify the key limitations of a given wound and in developing a multifaceted strategy to specifically address those limitations. In considering approaches to oxygenate the wound tissue it is important to recognize that both too little as well as too much may impede the healing process. Oxygen dosing based on the specific need of a wound therefore seems prudent. Therapeutic approaches targeting the oxygen sensing and redox signaling pathways are promising.
Real Exchange Rates and Macroeconomics: a Selective Survey

This paper discusses exchange rate issues in advanced and in developing countries. For the determination of exchange rates among industrialized countries the key question is the following: What is the right framework -- the monetary approach, the equilibrium approach, the new classical approach or the macroeconomic model in the tradition of Mundell-Fleming. To shed light on that question two empirical problems are considered: What is known about the behavior of real exchange rates and how well do alternative models explain the relation among interest rates, expected depreciation and actual depreciation. The second half of the paper discusses real exchange rates in developing countries. This strand of literature has become important in the context of adjustment programs. We focus on the relation between real exchange rates and the profitability of capital. The model highlights the sharp discrepancy between the mobility of capital (even physical capital, in the long run) and the immobility of labor.
Fluorescent reporter lines for auxin and cytokinin signalling in barley (Hordeum vulgare)

The phytohormones auxin and cytokinin control development and maintenance of plant meristems and stem cell systems. Fluorescent protein reporter lines that monitor phytohormone controlled gene expression programmes have been widely used to study development and differentiation in the model species Arabidopsis, but equivalent tools are still missing for the majority of crop species. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is the fourth most abundant cereal crop plant, but knowledge on these important phytohormones in regard to the barley root and shoot stem cell niches is still negligible. We have now analysed the role of auxin and cytokinin in barley root meristem development, and present fluorescent protein reporter lines that allow to dissect auxin and cytokinin signalling outputs in vivo. We found that application of either auxin or cytokinin to barley seedlings negatively impacts root meristem growth. We further established a barley cytokinin reporter, TCSnew, which revealed significant cytokinin signalling in the stele cells proximal to the QC, and in the differentiated root cap cells. Application of exogenous cytokinin activated signalling in the root stem cell niche. Commonly employed auxin reporters DR5 or DR5v2 failed to respond to auxin in barley. However, analysis of putative auxin signalling targets barley PLETHORA1 (HvPLT1) is expressed in a similar pattern as its orthologue AtPLT1 from Arabidopsis, i.e. in the QC and the surrounding cells. Furthermore, the PINFORMED1 (HvPIN1) auxin efflux carrier was found to be expressed in root and shoot meristems, where it polarly localized to the plasma membrane. HvPIN1 expression is negatively regulated by cytokinin and its intracellular localisation is sensitive to brefeldinA (BFA). With this study, we provide the first fluorescent reporter lines as a tool to study auxin and cytokinin signalling and response pathways in barley.
Trading activity and Nifty index futures volatility: an empirical analysis

Does the price of Nifty futures have the potential and strength to change? Given that the potential and strength for a price change lie in the trading activity variables, that is, open interest and volume, respectively, the study explores the nature of the relationship between volume, open interest and volatility in the most recent Nifty index futures contract. Applying the GARCH (1, 1) model, the results confirm a significant and positive relationship among today’s volatility, current open interest (i.e. potential) and lagged volume (i.e. strength). Therefore, the addition of these two trading variables helps the basic GARCH model predict future volatility better.
An Investigation into the Prevalence of HRM Practices in SMEs: Sierra Leone an Example

Purpose - The purpose of the study is to investigate the human resource management practices of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs hereafter) in Sierra Leone. In particular, the author looks at the relationship between the human resource management practices and SMEs performance including wages, employment and sales. Methodology - The study adopted triangulation method in collecting and analysing the data. The qualitative data was collected using 31 in-depth interviews and the quantitative data was collected using 323 questionnaires. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Findings - It is found that there is a significant positive relationship between HRM practices and SMEs performance including sales and employment. This implies that the more SMEs engage in formal HRM practices, the more they observe higher sales and generate more employment. Furthermore, HRM practices showed no significant statistical relationship with wages. In addition, the descriptive survey analysis pointed out that almost all of the respondents did not have an HRM department. Finally, the statistical description of the survey data revealed that most of the SMEs owner/managers in Sierra Leone make sure that employees are aware of formalized rules. Originality - This study contributes to knowledge by providing insights on the impact of HRM practices on SMEs performance in Sierra Leone. To the best of the author’s knowledge, the study is the first of its kind ever done in the country. The findings also confirm the findings of previous researches in other countries that the overwhelming majority of SMEs do not engage in formal HRM practices. Keywords – Human Resource Management (HRM), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Resource-Based Theory, Sierra Leone.
The Effects of Product Dropping on Firm's Productivity and Employment Composition

Recent literature on heterogeneous multi-product firms predicts that elimination of marginal (less productive) products, due to fiercer competition, leads to an increase of firm efficiency. We test this prediction in the case of a sample of Italian firms during a period (2000-05) of rising competitive pressures. Adopting a propensity score matching estimator, we find evidence of a causal relationship between product dropping and higher firm productivity. We also find evidence that product dropping activity causes a fall of the share of blue collars versus white collars. We draw some policy implications regarding labour market adjustment and support to internal product switching when competition shocks take place.