Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Meaningful internationalization : a study among the leaders of Brazilian smaller enterprises

This thesis considers how leaders of smaller firms attach meanings to internationalization. This is examined by the means of a survey questionnaire of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises [SME] operating in the clothing industry of Parana State in Brazil, and 58 qualitative interviews with the leaders of these firms. The thesis argues that existing theories of internationalization overlook the question of what international involvement means to relevant actors and in so doing have produced a body of knowledge characterized by deterministic, rationalist and individualist assumptions of organizational action that seriously understate the role of choice, interpretation and the collective dynamics of meaningful action. Drawing on Weber’s (1964; 1978) argument that social action is meaningful the thesis advances an integrative view of internationalization as a meaningful action characterized by the interplay of choice, rationality and interpretation. The thesis presents evidence sufficient to show that meanings regarding the criteria and parameters informing rational choice in internationalization vary with decision makers’ interpretations. In addition, it demonstrates that such meanings do not always accord with available theories. The thesis discusses why a recognition that internationalization is meaningful, and therefore implies choice and interpretation in addition to rationality, is critical for further theorizing. Finally, it considers the contributions of the findings and arguments for policymaking and managerial practice in smaller businesses.
Excitation‐Contraction Coupling in Rabbit Aorta Studied by the Lanthanum Method for Measuring Cellular Calcium Influx

Lanthanum inhibits 45Ca efflux from internally injected squid axons. Evidence for La3+ blockade of Ca2+ fluxes across the cell membrane was also obtained for aortic smooth muscle: 1mM La3+ completely inhibited contractions which otherwise resulted from adding Ca2+ to calcium-free depolarizing solutions, and 2 mM La3+ caused a 50% inhibition of the late 45Ca efflux. Ca2+ bound extracellularly could be displaced by La3+, and the binding sites preferred La3+ over Ca2+. We could thus use La3+ to eliminate extracellular bound Ca2+ from our calcium-influx measurements as follows: after exposure of the aortic strips to experimental solutions labeled with 45Ca, the extracellular Ca2+ label was displaced by putting the strips in a calcium-free solution containing 2 mM La3+ for 60 minutes. The loss of intracellular Ca2+ was minimized during this hour by the La3+ blockade of Ca2+ membrane fluxes. Tissue weight, 45Ca, and total Ca2+ were then measured using standard techniques. Studies employing this new method showed that depolarization by high K+, Na+ replacement, and high pH activate smooth muscle contraction by stimulating Ca2+ influx. Low pH and La3+ block Ca2+ influx. Norepinephrine initiates aortic contractions by release of intracellularly sequestered Ca2+. Angiotensin and histamine appear to release Ca2+ from this same fraction.
Molecular cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia measured using comparative genomic hybridization

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to identify recurrent regions of DNA sequence loss and gain in 21 multiple myeloma (MM) and plasma cell leukemia (PCL) primary tumor specimens and cell lines. Multiple regions of non‐random sequence loss and gain were observed in 8/8 primary advanced stage tumors and 13/13 cell lines. Identification of sequence copy number changes was facilitated by statistical analyses that reduce subjectivity associated with identification of copy number changes and by requiring that sequence changes are visible using both red‐ and green‐labeled tumor DNA. Loss of sequence on 13q and 14q and gain of sequence on 1q and chromosome 7 occurred in 50–60% of the population. In general, cell lines carry more and larger regions of sequence gain and loss than primary tumors. Regions of sequence copy number change that recur among MM cell lines and primary tumors include, in order of prevalence, enh(1q12qter), dim(13), enh(7), enh(3q22q29), enh(11q13.3qter), dim(14q11.2q31), enh(8q21qter), enh(3p25pter), dim(17p11.2p13), and dim(6q22.1q23). Population distributions of genome‐wide changes in primary tumors reveal “hot‐spots” of sequence loss from 13q12.1‐q21, 13q32‐q34, 14q11.2‐q13, and 14q23‐q31. Genomic changes detected using CGH are consistent with those identified using banding analyses, although recurrent involvement of additional regions of the genome are also evident. A higher prevalence of genomic changes is visible using CGH compared to banding. Identification of recurrent regions of sequence gain and loss provides opportunities to identify regions of the genome that may be involved in the malignant phenotype and/or disease progression. Genes Chromosom. Cancer 19:124–133, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A study of Rift Valley fever virus in Morogoro and Arusha regions of Tanzania – serology and farmers’ perceptions

Introduction Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonosis primarily affecting ruminants, resulting in epidemic abortions, fever, nasal and ocular discharges, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, and a high mortality rate among young animals. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an arthropod-borne RNA virus occurring in epizootic periods associated with heavy rainfall. The last outbreak of RVF in Tanzania was in 2006–2007, resulting in severe economic losses and impaired food security due to greater number of deaths of livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of antibodies against RVFV in sheep and goats in two different regions of Tanzania during an inter-epidemic period (IEP). In addition, the perception of important diseases among livestock keepers was assessed. Material and methods A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted in three purposively selected districts in Arusha and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. Serum samples from 354 sheep and goats were analysed in a commercial RVFV competitive ELISA. At the sampling missions, a questionnaire was used to estimate the socio-economic impact of infectious diseases. Results and discussion In total, 8.2% of the analysed samples were seropositive to RVF, and most seropositive animals were younger than 7 years, indicating a continuous circulation of RVFV in the two regions. None of the livestock keepers mentioned RVF as an important livestock disease. Conclusions This study confirms that RVFV is circulating at low levels in small ruminants during IEPs. In spite of recurring RVF outbreaks in Tanzania, livestock keepers seem to have a low awareness of the disease, making them poorly prepared and thus more vulnerable to future RVF outbreaks.
The Effects of Sevoflurane on Cerebral Hemodynamics During Propofol Anesthesia

We investigated the cerebral hemodynamic effects of 0.5 and 1.5 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) sevoflurane during propofol anesthesia in 10 patients undergoing supratentorial tumor resection. All patients received a standardized anesthetic, and their lungs were ventilated with a mixture of air and oxygen to produce mild hypocapnia. Anesthesia was then maintained with a propofol infusion. Muscle relaxation was obtained by infusion of atracurium. A transcranial Doppler probe was used to measure red cell flow velocity in the right middle cerebral artery (Vmca). A right-sided jugular bulb catheter was inserted for sampling of jugular bulb blood. After a 30-min period of stabilization and before the start of surgery, baseline arterial and jugular bulb blood samples were drawn to define the arterial-venous oxygen content difference (AVDO2). Mean arterial pressure and Vmca were recorded. Sevoflurane (0.5 and 1.5 MAC) in oxygen/air was then administered, and all measurements were repeated. Administration of sevoflurane at 0.5 MAC did not change Vmca or AVDO2. Sevoflurane (1.5 MAC) did not change Vmca. There was an approximately 25% reduction in AVDO2 (P < 0.05). This suggests that during propofol anesthesia, although 1.5 MAC sevoflurane does not increase red blood cell velocity, there is a relative increase in flow with respect to metabolism. Administration of large-dose sevoflurane may be associated with a degree of luxury perfusion. Implications: We investigated the cerebral hemodynamic effects of sevoflurane in patients undergoing neurosurgery. Small-dose sevoflurane (1%) did not change brain blood flow or oxygen consumption. Large-dose sevoflurane (3%) did not change flow velocity but reduced brain oxygen consumption by 25%. Sevoflurane may provide a degree of luxury perfusion. (Anesth Analg 1997;85:1284-7)
Realization of minimal C*-dynamical systems in terms of Cuntz-Pimsner algebras

In the present article we provide several constructions of C*-dynamical systems (F, G, β) with a compact group G in terms of Cuntz-Pimsner algebras. These systems have a minimal relative commutant of the fixed-point algebra A := F G in F, i.e. A ′ ∩ F = Z, where Z is the center of A, which is assumed to be nontrivial. In addition, we show in our models that the group action β: G → Aut F has full spectrum, i.e. any unitary irreducible representation of G is carried by a βG-invariant Hilbert space within F. First, we give several constructions of minimal C*-dynamical systems in terms of a single Cuntz-Pimsner algebra F = OH associated to a suitable Z-bimodule H. These examples are labeled by the action of a discrete Abelian group C (which we call the chain group) on Z and by the choice of a suitable class of finite dimensional representations of G. Second, we present a more elaborate construction, where now the C*-algebra F is generated by a family of Cuntz-Pimsner algebras. Here the product of the elements in different algebras is twisted by the chain group action. We specify the various constructions of C*-dynamical systems for the group G = SU(N), N ≥ 2.
Age-specific and Sex-specific Prevalence and Incidence of Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, and Alzheimer Dementia in Blacks and Whites: A Report From the Einstein Aging Study

As the population ages, the need to characterize rates of cognitive impairment and dementia within demographic groups defined by age, sex, and race becomes increasingly important. There are limited data available on the prevalence and incidence of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and nonamnestic mild cognitive impairment (naMCI) from population-based studies. The Einstein Aging Study, a systematically recruited community-based cohort of 1944 adults aged 70 or older (1168 dementia free at baseline; mean age, 78.8 y; average follow-up, 3.9 y), provides the opportunity to examine the prevalence and incidence rates for dementia, Alzheimer dementia (AD), aMCI, and naMCI by demographic characteristics. Dementia prevalence was 6.5% (4.9% AD). Overall dementia incidence was 2.9/100 person-years (2.3/100 person-years for AD). Dementia and AD rates increased with age but did not differ by sex. Prevalence of aMCI was 11.6%, and naMCI prevalence was 9.9%. aMCI incidence was 3.8 and naMCI incidence was 3.9/100 person-years. Rates of aMCI increased significantly with age in men and in blacks; sex, education, and race were not significant risk factors. In contrast, naMCI incidence did not increase with age; however, blacks were at higher risk compared with whites, even when controlling for sex and education. Results highlight the public health significance of preclinical cognitive disease.
Comparing automated visual GUI testing tools: an industrial case study

Visual GUI testing (VGT) is a tool-driven technique, which uses image recognition for interaction and assertion of the behaviour of system under test. Motivated by a real industrial need, in the context of a large Turkish software and systems company providing solutions in the areas of defense and IT sector, we systematically planned and applied a VGT project in this industrial context. The goal of the initial phase of the project was to empirically evaluate two well-known VGT tools (Sikuli and JAutomate) to help the company select the best tool for a given testing project. Our results show that both two tools suffer from similar test ‘Replay’ problems such as the inability to find smaller-sized images. The repeatability of test executions was better for JAutomate in case of one of the two software under test (SUT) while it was comparable for the other. In terms of test development effort, for both tools, there were high correlations with number of steps in test suites, however the effort is reduced if test code is reused. The study has already provided benefits to the test engineers and managers in the company by increasing the know-how in the company w.r. t. VGT, and by identifying the challenges and their workarounds in using the tools. The industrial case study in this paper intends to add to the body of evidence in VGT and help other researchers and practitioners.
Online tracking of the contents of conscious perception using real-time fMRI

Perception is an active process that interprets and structures the stimulus input based on assumptions about its possible causes. We use real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rtfMRI) to investigate a particularly powerful demonstration of dynamic object integration in which the same physical stimulus intermittently elicits categorically different conscious object percepts. In this study, we simulated an outline object that is moving behind a narrow slit. With such displays, the physically identical stimulus can elicit categorically different percepts that either correspond closely to the physical stimulus (vertically moving line segments) or represent a hypothesis about the underlying cause of the physical stimulus (a horizontally moving object that is partly occluded). In the latter case, the brain must construct an object from the input sequence. Combining rtfMRI with machine learning techniques we show that it is possible to determine online the momentary state of a subject's conscious percept from time resolved BOLD-activity. In addition, we found that feedback about the currently decoded percept increased the decoding rates compared to prior fMRI recordings of the same stimulus without feedback presentation. The analysis of the trained classifier revealed a brain network that discriminates contents of conscious perception with antagonistic interactions between early sensory areas that represent physical stimulus properties and higher-tier brain areas. During integrated object percepts, brain activity decreases in early sensory areas and increases in higher-tier areas. We conclude that it is possible to use BOLD responses to reliably track the contents of conscious visual perception with a relatively high temporal resolution. We suggest that our approach can also be used to investigate the neural basis of auditory object formation and discuss the results in the context of predictive coding theory.
Liver transplant for hepatitis C virus: effect of using older donor grafts on short- and medium-term survival.

HYPOTHESIS Older donor grafts will provide suitable results of liver transplant, even in recipients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although HCV remains the leading indication for liver transplant in adults in the United States, it is associated with HCV recurrence, increased graft loss, and reduced survival. In addition, recent studies suggest that the use of older donors in recipients with HCV is associated with significantly worsened short- and long-term survival. DESIGN Prospective database analysis. SETTING Washington University School of Medicine. PATIENTS Between January 1, 1997, and June 30, 2006, a total of 579 liver transplants were performed. Ninety pediatric transplants were excluded. Of the remaining 489 adult patients (84.5%), 187 (38.2%) had HCV and 302 (61.8%) had other indications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patient and graft survival, recurrence of HCV, and need for and results of retransplant. RESULTS At 1, 3, and 5 years, overall patient survival was 88.1%, 78.3%, and 69.2%, respectively, and graft survival was 85.6%, 75.6%, and 65.6%, respectively, in patients with HCV. There was no significant difference in patient or graft survival between patients with and those without HCV. Recurrent HCV with clinically significant disease was 20% at 1 year and 62% at 10 years. Seventy-two patients received transplants from donors 60 years or older (24 of 187 [12.8%] with HCV and 48 of 302 [15.9%] without HCV). No difference was demonstrated in short- or medium-term patient or graft survival in recipients of grafts from older donors. CONCLUSION The increasing use of marginal donors, including carefully selected older donors, does not seem to adversely affect short- or medium-term results and may be a source of additional organs for expanding liver transplant waiting lists.
Xenobiotics that affect oxidative phosphorylation alter differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells at concentrations that are found in human blood

ABSTRACT Adipogenesis is accompanied by differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells to adipocytes. As part of this differentiation, biogenesis of the oxidative phosphorylation system occurs. Many chemical compounds used in medicine, agriculture or other human activities affect oxidative phosphorylation function. Therefore, these xenobiotics could alter adipogenesis. We have analyzed the effects on adipocyte differentiation of some xenobiotics that act on the oxidative phosphorylation system. The tested concentrations have been previously reported in human blood. Our results show that pharmaceutical drugs that decrease mitochondrial DNA replication, such as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, or inhibitors of mitochondrial protein synthesis, such as ribosomal antibiotics, diminish adipocyte differentiation and leptin secretion. By contrast, the environmental chemical pollutant tributyltin chloride, which inhibits the ATP synthase of the oxidative phosphorylation system, can promote adipocyte differentiation and leptin secretion, leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome as postulated by the obesogen hypothesis. Summary: Some medical drugs and environmental chemical pollutants acting on the oxidative phosphorylation system can alter adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis and, thus, have important consequences for human health.
Multilocus Sequence Typing, Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis, and fla Short Variable Region Typing of Clonal Complexes of Campylobacter jejuni Strains of Human, Bovine, and Poultry Origins in Luxembourg

ABSTRACT Campylobacter jejuni is the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in Luxembourg, with a marked seasonal peak during summer. The majority of these infections are thought to be sporadic, and the relative contribution of potential sources and reservoirs is still poorly understood. We monitored human cases from June to September 2006 (n = 124) by molecular characterization of isolates with the aim of rapidly detecting temporally related cases. In addition, isolates from poultry meat (n = 36) and cattle cecal contents (n = 48) were genotyped for comparison and identification of common clusters between veterinary and human C. jejuni populations. A total of 208 isolates were typed by sequencing the fla short variable region, macrorestriction analysis resolved by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). We observed a high diversity of human strains during a given summer season. Poultry and human isolates had a higher diversity of sequence types than isolates of bovine origin, for which clonal complexes CC21 (41.6%) and CC61 (18.7%) were predominant. CC21 was also the most common complex found among human isolates (21.8%). The substantial concordance between PFGE and MLST results for this last group of strains suggests that they are clonally related. Our study indicates that while poultry remains an important source, cattle could be an underestimated reservoir of human C. jejuni cases. Transmission mechanisms of cattle-specific strains warrant further investigation.
Analysis and evaluation of relative positions of mandibular third molar and mandibular canal impacts

Objectives This study used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to categorize the relationships between the mandibular canal and the roots and investigated the prevalence of nerve damage. Materials and Methods Through CBCT images, contact and three-dimensional positional relationships between the roots of the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal were investigated. With this data, prevalence of nerve damage according to the presence of contact and three-dimensional positional relationships was studied. Other factors that affected the prevalence of nerve damage were also investigated. Results When the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal were shown to have direct contact in CBCT images, the prevalence of nerve damage was higher than in other cases. Also, in cases where the mandibular canal was horizontally lingual to the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal was vertically at the cervical level of the mandibular third molar, the prevalence of nerve damage was higher than in opposite cases. The percentage of mandibular canal contact with the roots of the mandibular third molar was higher when the mandibular canal was horizontally lingual to the mandibular third molar. Finally, the prevalence of nerve damage was higher when the diameter of the mandibular canal lumen suddenly decreased at the contact area between the mandibular canal and the roots, as shown in CBCT images. Conclusion The three-dimensional relationship of the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal can help predict nerve damage and can guide patient expectations of the possibility and extent of nerve damage.
The association between C‐reactive protein on admission and mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract. Nikfardjam M, Müllner M, Schreiber W, Oschatz E, Exner M, Domanovits H, Laggner AN, Huber K (Vienna General Hospital, University of Vienna, Austria). The association between C‐reactive protein on admission and mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction. J Intern Med 2000; 247: 341–345.
Image similarity measurement from sparse reconstruction errors

This paper presents a new approach to measuring the similarity between two images using sparse reconstruction. Our approach alleviates the difficulty of selecting and extracting suitable features from images which usually requires domain-specific knowledge. The proposed measure, the Sparse SNR (SSNR), does not use any prior knowledge about the data type or the application. SSNR is generic in the sense that it is applicable, without modification, to a variety of problems involving different types of images. Given a pair of images, a set of basis vectors (dictionary) is learnt for each image such that each image can be represented as a linear combination of a small number of its dictionary elements. Each image is reconstructed by two dictionaries - the one trained on the image itself and the second - trained on the other image. We develop a novel similarity measure based on the resulting reconstruction errors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to develop a sparse reconstruction-based similarity measure. Excellent classification, clustering and retrieval results are achieved on benchmark datasets involving facial images and textures.