Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Demonstration and immunochemical characterization of natural, autologous anti-idiotypic antibodies throughout the course of experimental syphilis

Immunoglobulin Gs (IgGs) from serial bleeds obtained 1 week to 5 months after infection of rabbits with Treponema pallidum were examined for autologous anti-idiotypic (auto-anti-Id) antibodies. The capacities of IgGs to bind 125I-IgG F(ab')2 anti-T. pallidum prepared from earlier bleeds were determined by using radioimmunoassays. Results obtained in these assays suggested that auto-anti-Id IgGs were demonstrable between 60 and 180 days postinfection. Following reinfection, 90 days after the initial infection, auto-anti-Id IgGs peaked 6 to 8 weeks later, even though they were first noted as early as 2 weeks postreinfection. In the reinfection model the auto-anti-Id continued to persist throughout the remaining 3 months of the study. As auto-anti-Id antibodies to anti-fibronectin antibodies were demonstrable also in reinfected animals, our findings raise questions concerning the possible role of the anti-Id in modulating the Id expression of both T. pallidum-specific and autoimmune humoral responses.
Energetics of the alpha-lactalbumin states: a calorimetric and statistical thermodynamic study.

The temperature dependence of the heat capacity function of holo and apo alpha-lactalbumin has been studied by high sensitivity differential scanning microcalorimetry. The heat capacities of the holo and apo forms in the native state were found to be close to, but somewhat higher than, that of lysozyme, which has a similar structure. At pH values higher than 5, the heat-denatured state and the unfolded state are indistinguishable. At lower pH values, the heat capacity of the state obtained by heat or acid denaturation is lower than what is expected for the completely unfolded polypeptide chain, but it approaches that value at higher temperatures. The heat capacity increment of the denatured state correlates well with the amount of residual structure measured by ellipticity (i.e., the lower the residual structure, the higher the heat capacity). The extent of residual structure in the denatured state, which is exceptionally high in alpha-lactalbumin, decreases upon increasing temperature and at approximately 110 degrees C becomes close to that observed in 6 M GdmCl. Above 110 degrees C, the denatured state of alpha-lactalbumin is practically indistinguishable in heat capacity and ellipticity from the fully unfolded state. The calorimetric data have been analyzed quantitatively using a statistically thermodynamic formalism. This analysis indicates that the long-range or global cooperativity of the protein is lost after heat denaturation of the native state, causing the remaining elements of residual structure to behave in a more or less independent fashion. At pH values close to neutral, heat denaturation occurs at high temperature and yields a totally unfolded polypeptide with no measurable population of partly folded intermediates. At lower pH values, denaturation occurs at lower temperatures and a progressively higher population of intermediates is observed. At pH 4.2, about 50% of the molecules is in compact intermediate states immediately after heat denaturation; however, at pH 3.5, this percentage is close to 80% and at pH 3.0 it reaches about 100% of the protein molecules. Upon heating, the unfolded state progressively becomes the predominant species. The analysis of the heat capacity data for alpha-lactalbumin indicates that the best model to account for the observed behavior is one in which the denatured state is represented as a distribution of substates with varying degrees of residual structure. At low temperatures, the distribution is centered around rather compact substates with significant residual structure. At higher temperatures, the distribution shifts toward states with less residual structure and eventually to the completely unfolded state.
Complexity of CME linear speed time series

In this article, an effort has been made to investigate the nonlinear and chaotic nature of daily CME linear speed time series data collected from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory for solar cycle 23 over the period of February 1999 to December 2007. To explore the nonlinear characteristic of the CME linear speed signal delay vector variance algorithm is used whereas 0–1 test, information entropy and also correlation dimension methods are performed to investigate the chaotic behaviour of the signal. The result of these analyses suggests that the CME linear speed time series signal generated source is definitely nonlinear and deterministic with chaotic behaviour which validates that the possibilities of forecasting for long duration is nearly impossible but forecasting for short span can be achieved on condition that the underlying dynamics of the process must be known.
Association of Sleep Quality on Memory-Related Executive Functions in Middle Age

Abstract Objectives: Sleep quality affects memory and executive function in older adults, but little is known about its effects in midlife. If it affects cognition in midlife, it may be a modifiable factor for later-life functioning. Methods: We examined the association between sleep quality and cognition in 1220 middle-aged male twins (age 51–60 years) from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. We interviewed participants with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and tested them for episodic memory as well as executive functions of inhibitory and interference control, updating in working memory, and set shifting. Interference control was assessed during episodic memory, inhibitory control during working memory, and non-memory conditions and set shifting during working memory and non-memory conditions. Results: After adjusting for covariates and correcting for multiple comparisons, sleep quality was positively associated with updating in working memory, set shifting in the context of working memory, and better visual-spatial (but not verbal) episodic memory, and at trend level, with interference control in the context of episodic memory. Conclusions: Sleep quality was associated with visual-spatial recall and possible resistance to proactive/retroactive interference. It was also associated with updating in working memory and with set shifting, but only when working memory demands were relatively high. Thus, effects of sleep quality on midlife cognition appear to be at the intersection of executive function and memory processes. Subtle deficits in these age-susceptible cognitive functions may indicate increased risk for decline in cognitive abilities later in life that might be reduced by improved midlife sleep quality. (JINS, 2018, 24, 67–76)
Exploring switching behavior of US mobile service customers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the switching behavior of mobile service customers in the USA with a focus on service quality, innovation and lock-in strategies as deterrents of switching. Design/methodology/approach – A thorough literature review coupled with two focus group interviews provided the impetus for the design and development of a survey instrument that was then administered to graduate and undergraduate students in the Southeast USA. Findings – The paper finds that: mobile service quality (m-SERVQUAL) is a significant detractor of switching intentions of customers – if customers perceive their provider to be innovative, they are less likely to switch to another provider; the perception of being innovative is equally as important as the perception of the service quality delivered by the provider; hard lock-in (unreasonable contract length) leads customers to increase their intention to switch, which is completely counter to its intended purpose; and service quality perception.
Exploring customer reactions to offshore call centers: toward a comprehensive conceptual framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating influence of attitude toward offshore call centers (OCCs) and brand image of the service provider firm on the relationships among perceived service quality (SQ), customer satisfaction (CS), complaint (CI) and repeat purchase (RP) intentions.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 285 adult shoppers with prior experience with OCCs were recruited using mall‐intercept approach in a large mid‐Western city in the USA. A structured questionnaire was used to record their perceptions about their service provider using OCCs. Structural equation modeling was used to test the measurement and basic structural model, along with multi‐group analysis to test the moderating effects. Multiple moderated regression analysis was also used to verify the moderating effects.Findings – As expected, SQ was found positively associated with CS, and CS was negatively associated with CI but positively with RP. Moreover, attitude toward OCC positively moderated the link.
ATTRACTIVENESS OF ALTERNATIVES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS CONTINUANCE: A CASE OF WIMAX

WiMAX, commercialized for the first time in Korea in 2006. To attract WiMAX users, the WiMAX service provider, KT, offered a six month of free WiMAX services. After the six months, many users did not continue using WiMAX service but switched to other Internet access services. Not only attracting new users but also retaining existing users is crucial for the WiMAX business success. Previous research based on Information Systems (IS) continuance model explains the determinants of IS continuance mainly from the technology user perspective. However, a WiMAX user has double roles, technology user and service consumer. Rational economic assessment is essential for consumer decision makings. Marketing and economics literature explain that value assessment and comparison with alternatives are two main issues in rational economic assessment. This study examines WiMAX service continuance by integrating rational economic perspective and technology user perspective. The testing results based on the data collection from 200 WiMAX users show the significance of attractiveness of alternatives and user satisfaction in determining WiMAX continuance. Customer value further affects WiMA continuance intention indirectly through user satisfaction. This study provides important implications for research by adding the rational economic assessment to the IS continuance model. This study also provides suggestions for practitioners regarding how to promote WiMAX continuance.
Two cases of severe neonatal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by compound heterozygous mutations in the MYBPC3 gene

Background: Idiopathic (primary) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is mainly caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. One of the most commonly mutated HCM genes is the myosin binding protein C (MYBPC3) gene. Mutations in this gene lead mainly to truncation of the protein which gives rise to a relatively mild phenotype. Pure HCM in neonates is rare and most of the time childhood HCM occurs in association with another underlying condition. Objective: To study the presence of mutations in the MYBPC3 gene in idiopathic childhood HCM. Methods:MYBPC3 coding region and splice junction variation were analysed by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) and sequencing in DNA isolated from two neonates with severe unexplained HCM, who died within the first weeks of life. Results: Truncating mutations were found in both alleles of the MYBPC3 gene in both patients, suggesting there was no functional copy of the MYBPC3 protein. Patient 1 carried the maternally inherited c. 2373_2374insG mutation and the paternally inherited splice-donor site mutation c.1624+1G→A. Patient 2 carried the maternally inherited frameshift mutation c.3288delA (p.Glu1096fsX92) and the paternally inherited non-sense mutation c.2827C→T (p.Arg943X). Conclusions: The findings indicate the need for mutation analysis of genes encoding sarcomeric proteins in childhood HCM and the possibility of compound heterozygosity.
When demographic differences exist: an analysis of service failure and recovery among diverse participants

Purpose – This paper aims to explore whether demographic differences between diverse customers and service providers impact service failure and recovery perceptions.Design/methodology/approach – The critical incidents technique was used to gather data on service failures and recovery. Chi‐square test of independence and analysis of variance was used to test the hypotheses.Findings – Results from the main study provide little support to the notion that different service failure types or service recovery efforts are being applied when demographic differences exist. However, a post‐hoc analysis focusing on respondents who felt that their demographic differences had impacted their encounter revealed that ethnic differences impacted service failure and recovery perceptions the most.Research limitations/implications – One limitation is the use of quota sampling that may limit the generalizability of the results. However, due to the exploratory nature of the study and the need for representative cases, this tech.
ARTICLES INNOVATIVE CAPACITY AND ADVANTAGE: A CASE STUDY OF BRAZILIAN FIRMS

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on how companies create organizational environments conducive to innovation development, through its culture, resources, competencies, and the use of interorganizational networks. These factors, as a set, are known as innovative capacity. To accomplish this goal, a bibliographic review theme is carried out, as well as an exploratory research, conducted by case study about the innovation management process in two companies, both considered innovative, and each belonging to a different industrial sector. An analysis of the results of the empirical study suggests that the building of innovative capacity can have different meanings in different types of companies that act in market segments featuring different levels of technology. A greater understanding of how the building of innovative capacity occurs across different industry sectors could assist companies in better allocation of their resources to leverage their innovative capacity, and therefore building sustainable competitive advantages.
A transaction costs theory of equity joint ventures

This paper presents a transaction costs theory of equity joint ventures. It distinguishes between ‘scale’ and ‘link’ JVs. Scale JVs arise when parents seek to internalize a failing market, but indivisibilities due to scale or scope economies make full ownership of the relevant assets inefficient. Link JVs result from the simultaneous failing of the markets for the services of two or more assets whenever these assets are firm‐specific public goods, and acquisition of the firm holding them would entail significant management costs.
Performance of Malaysian IPOs and Impact of Return Determinants

This study has examined the IPO performance in Malaysia from 2007 to 2010. Results show that under-pricing exists in the first day of trading during the particular period, but results show that the degree of under-pricing is dramatically decreased in comparison with what is shown in previous studies. Empirical findings also show that none of return determinants including Age, size, total unit offered, offering price and KLCI index movement are able to affect on IPO initial return. It shows that Malaysian IPOs follow anarchy during this period while their performances are not predictable by return determinants.
Predicting Premium Proneness

ABSTRACT A premium is a free gift offered to consumers when they purchase a product, and marketers in many product categories are using them as a sales promotional tool. That consumers should be prone to buying products with premiums, therefore, is of obvious importance to marketers. This study investigated deal proneness, compulsive-buying tendency, time pressure, and variety-seeking tendency as predictors of premium proneness. The results of a survey with a sample of consumers suggest that all the factors, except time pressure, predict premium proneness. Recommendations are made for marketers regarding how to capitalize on these drivers of premium proneness in order to maximize the marketing impact of their premium-based promotions.
Sourcing Indirect Spend: A Survey of Current Internal and External Strategies for Non-Revenue-Generating Goods and Services

Summary This article provides evidence about the current sourcing strategies for indirect spend from a survey of 124 organizations. The study found that, despite the recent prominence of reverse auctions and outsourcing options, the most frequently cited external sourcing management approach for indirect spend is long-term collaboration with preferred suppliers. There was also evidence that indirect spend suffers from a lack of internal support, maverick purchasing, and fragmentation of spend within the organization.
Chemical Composition and Immuno‐Modulatory Effects of Urtica dioica L. (Stinging Nettle) Extracts

The purpose of this work was to determine the chemical profile of stinging nettle and to provide an insight into the mechanisms by which it ameliorates the immune response. Qualitative and quantitative liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analyses indicated that phenolic acids (5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid as dominant) and flavonol glycosides (rutin, isoquercitrin, and kaempferol 3‐O‐glucoside) are present in the aerial parts, while lignans (secoisolariciresinol, 9,9′‐bisacetyl‐neo‐olivil and their glucosides) were detected in the root. Herb and root extracts expressed selective inhibition toward cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase branches in human platelets: root extracts were better at inhibiting thromboxane production, while herb extracts were more specific toward inhibition of 12‐lipoxygenase pathway. Stinging nettle extracts mildly increased monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and growth‐related oncogene release from nonstimulated intestinal epithelial cells, stimulating MyD88/NF‐κB/p38 signaling, hence preserving the epithelial integrity and enhancing intestinal steady‐state defense. Additionally, root extract reduced lipopolysaccharide‐induced monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1/growth‐related oncogene secretion and cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in intestinal epithelial cells, thus showing the potential protective effect against tissue damage caused by inflammation processes. These observations suggest that stinging nettle is an interesting candidate for the development of phytopharmaceuticals or dietary supplements for cotreatment of various inflammatory diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of throughput gains from relays in cellular networks

Multihop wireless networking has traditionally been viewed in the context of ad-hoc and peer-to-peer networks. We consider the application of multihop networking in wide area cellular systems and evaluate potential capacity enhancements. A cellular system with relays that store and forward information from the base station to the terminals on the downlink is considered. With geographical routing for uniform placement of relays within a cell, upper bounds to throughput gains are derived for a transmission scheme that guarantees equal long term throughput to all users. Our results show that, for a large number of hops, the gain is limited by the rate on the links between the base and the closest set of relays
The catechol O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism and herpes simplex virus type 1 infection are risk factors for cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: additive gene-environmental effects in a complex human psychiatric disorder.

BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder is associated with deficits in cognitive functioning. The etiology of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder may relate to both genetic and environmental factors. A valine/methionine polymorphism of the catechol O-methyltransferase gene at amino acid 158 (COMT Val158Met polymorphism) has been identified as a risk factor for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Serological evidence of infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has also been identified as a risk factor for cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder. METHODS We used Taqman technology to measure COMT Val158Met alleles in 107 individuals with bipolar disorder and in 95 controls. We also measured antibodies to HSV-1 in sera obtained from the same individuals. Cognitive functioning was assessed with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and the Letter-Number Sequencing Test. The effects of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and antibodies to HSV-1 on cognitive functioning were analyzed with multinomial logistic regressions. RESULTS The COMT Val158Val genotype and serological evidence of infection with HSV-1 are independent risk factors for cognitive impairment in individuals with bipolar disorder, particularly in the domains of immediate and delayed memory. Individuals with bipolar disorder with the COMT158 Val/Val genotype and serological evidence of HSV-1 infection were more than 85 times more likely to be in the lowest quintile of cognitive functioning when compared with the highest quintile when controlling for potential confounding variables such as symptom severity and education. Control individuals did not display this association. CONCLUSION Both the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and serological evidence of HSV-1 infection affect cognitive functioning in individuals with bipolar disorder.
C‐Reactive Protein: An Early Marker for Neonatal Bacterial Infection Due to Prolonged Rupture of Amniotic Membranes And/Or Amnionitis

The C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentration was determined in 25 infants whose mothers had presented with prolonged rupture of amniotic membranes (PROM) and/or amnionitis. CRP was positive (i.e ≥ 6 mg/1) within the first 6 hrs of life in 10 and negative in 15 infants. Clinically, all infants with positive CRP developed symptoms suggesting bacterial infection and both the absolute immature neutrophil counts as well as the ratio immature/total neutrophils were significantly higher in them on day 2 of life than in infants with negative CRP. Blood cultures were only positive in infants with positive CRP. Thus CRP can be regarded as an early marker for neonatal bacterial infection due to PROM and/or amnionitis.
Employee Reactions to Paper and Electronic Surveys: An Experimental Comparison

Using a within-subjects field experiment, we tested the differences between paper-based and electronic employee surveys. Employees of a large organization were invited to respond to a paper survey as well as an identical electronic survey. Results from 134 employees who completed both questionnaires indicated that electronic surveys were seen as marginally easier to use and more enjoyable than paper surveys. However, the paper-based questionnaires produced a higher response rate. The self-reported likelihood that participants would respond to similar questionnaires in the future did not differ between the two formats. After comparing the answers on survey items that measured feelings of well-being and spending patterns, data quality also appeared to be equivalent across the two formats. Conceptual issues, as well as the implications for managers who are administering employee surveys, are discussed.