Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new cluster of hepatitis A infection in hemophiliacs traced to a contaminated plasma pool

Recently, several clusters of hepatitis A have been observed among hemophiliacs linked to factor VIII concentrates treated for virus inactivation solely with the solvent/detergent (S/D) method, a procedure that does not affect nonenveloped viruses such as the hepatitis A virus (HAV). A new outbreak of hepatitis A in six hemophiliacs treated with the same lot of a factor VIII preparation occurred recently in Germany. The objective of the study was to clarify whether these diseases were caused by the administration of the S/D‐treated plasma product, rather than a community‐acquired infection. Polymerase chain reactions designed to detect HAV nucleic acid have been carried out in the implicated factor VIII lots, in the corresponding plasma pools, and in serum samples of four out of six infected individuals. The nucleic acid sequences were determined in samples that resulted in positive amplification products. HAV sequences were found in one of the two plasma pools used for manufacture of the incriminated product, in the incriminated lot itself, and in all recipient sera tested so far, although the latter were collected up to 7 weeks after the onset of jaundice. The sequences obtained were completely identical, revealing a unique HAV strain of genotype IA. This study provides conclusive evidence that hepatitis A can be transmitted by factor VIII concentrates treated solely by the S/D procedure for virus inactivation. This inactivation method is not effective against nonenveloped viruses. Since a number of hepatitis A transmission episodes have been described with such preparations during the past 10 years, their continued use seems to be questionable unless additional virus removal or inactivation steps are introduced to prevent the transmission of nonenveloped viruses. Molecular approaches again proved to be reliable tools for elucidating the chain of virus transmission. J. Med. Virol. 57:91–99, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gastrointestinal microbial population of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) affected by hemorrhagic enteritis virus

&NA; Hemorrhagic enteritis (HE) is an acute viral disease that affects avian species, particularly turkeys, compromising their commercial production and having a negative effect on animal welfare. Turkey adenovirus 3 (TAdV‐3), is the main causal agent of the disease. In this study, we considered 3 groups of turkeys to achieve 2 purposes: 1) A preliminary investigation on the microbiota content in the 4 parts of healthy turkey's intestine (group A), namely duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and ceca was done; 2) an investigation on the relationship between natural infections with TAdV‐3 and the intestinal microbiota in the jejunum, where HE mostly develops, comparing group A with animals with molecular positivity for the virus and with clinical signs of HE (group B) and animals with molecular positivity for the virus but without clinical signs (group C). Massive sequencing of the hypervariable V1‐V2 regions of 16S rRNA gene and QIIME 1.9. 1 software analysis was performed, and operation taxonomic units (OTUs) were classified into 4 abundant phyla: Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. The microbial population of small intestine was distributed almost homogeneously in the healthy turkeys, and Firmicutes was the prevalent phylum (79.85% in duodenum, 89.57% in jejunum and 99.28% in ileum). As compared with small intestine, ceca microbial community was much more heterogeneous: Firmicutes (48.03%), Bacteroidetes (33.60%) and Proteobacteria (12.32%). In the natural infections of HEV, the main bacterial families were Bacteroidaceae (Bacteroidetes) and Peptostreptococcaceae (Firmicutes), uniquely detected in group B and C. Also Clostridiaceae (Firmicutes) was detected, uniquely in group B.
Waardenburg syndrome type 3 (Klein–Waardenburg syndrome) segregating with a heterozygous deletion in the paired box domain of PAX3: a simple variant or a true syndrome?

Klein–Waardenburg syndrome or Waardenburg syndrome type 3 (WS‐III; MIM 148820) is characterized by the presence of musculoskeletal abnormalities in association with clinical features of Waardenburg syndrome type 1 (WS‐I). Since the description of the first patient in 1947 (D. Klein, Arch Klaus Stift Vererb Forsch 1947: 22: 336–342), a few cases have been reported. Only occasional families have demonstrated autosomal‐dominant inheritance of WS‐III. In a previous report, a missense mutation in the paired domain of the PAX3 gene has been described in a family with dominant segregation of WS‐III. In this report, we present a second family (mother and son) with typical clinical findings of WS‐III segregating with a heterozygous 13‐bp deletion in the paired domain of the PAX3 gene. Although homozygosity or compound heterozygosity has also been documented in patients with severe limb involvement, a consistent genotype–phenotype correlation for limb abnormalities associated with heterozygous PAX3 mutations has not previously been apparent. Heterozygous mutations could either reflect a unique dominant‐negative effect or possibly the contribution of other unlinked genetic modifiers in determining the phenotype.
Lateral diffusion of visual pigments in toad (Bufo marinus) rods and in catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) cones.

1. The lateral diffusion coefficient, D, was determined for visual pigments in red rods, green rods and red‐sensitive cones with a photon‐counting microspectrophotometer. 2. A novel protocol that involved the placement on a photoreceptor of a single micromeasuring/bleaching beam permitted the determination of D of the pigment. 3. Demonstration that D for red rods compared very well with values obtained by other workers using other means validated the protocol. 4. Applied to green rods, the protocol gave a value of D that was about 80% greater than that for red rods. 5. D for cone pigment was found to be slightly less than that of red rod pigment. 6. The dichroic ratio of cones and the average orientation of the chromophore in the cone lamellae were 1.71 and 28.4 deg, respectively. 7. The photosensitivity at lambda max of the red‐sensitive cones was found to be about 16% less than that of red rods.
Bridging the Gap: Evidence from Externally Hired CEOs: BRIDGING THE GAP: EVIDENCE FROM EXTERNALLY HIRED CEOS

External CEOs often experience an employment gap (i.e., a period during which they do not hold an executive position at a public company) prior to joining their new firm. These gaps cannot be accurately identified in common databases. A hand-collected sample of 50 randomly selected new CEOs indicates that approximately half of new CEOs are external hires. These new CEOs experience mean (median) gaps of 2.26 (1.65) years. We hypothesize that labor market frictions and executive skillsets contribute to the existence and length of these executive employment gaps. We also use theories from labor economics to predict (equilibrium) associations between two measures of “fit” (executive compensation and long-term match quality) and gaps (both existence and length). Finally, we will provide descriptive evidence on what executives do (e.g., sit on public company boards, work for private consulting companies, teach, consume leisure) during their gaps.
Revisiting the Relationship Between Corporate Stakeholder Commitment and Social and Financial Performance

This study delves into the long-term relationship between social and financial performance of organizations. The aim of this study is to analyse the evolution of this relationship during the global financial crisis to ascertain both how companies have evolved in terms of CSR strategic consistency under financial uncertainty, and the relationship that this consistency may have with their financial performance. A specific methodological approach based on the fuzzy set theory has been applied to the measurement of social and environmental performance over a selected sample of Spanish listed companies, whose CSR strategic consistency had been analysed in previous studies that made use of data published in 2003. The results show a general improvement of CSR strategic consistency among organizations, in spite of a turbulent financial environment. On the other hand, the results show a positive relationship between CSR strategic consistency, and corporate economic and financial performance. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Shield the US from Imports! – GDP Impacts on Finland and Other European Union Member States

We analyze the value-added impacts of rising (United States) US protectionism on Finland and other European Union (EU) member states. The president of the US has proposed tariff increases, particularly on imports from Mexico and China to the US, while the threat of protectionism also involves more direct tariffs against EU exports to the US. We apply a measurement framework for the decomposition of value-added trade to the US grounded on hypothetical extraction, a mathematical technique based on an input-output representation of the global economy. Our results show that trade to the US continues to be an important source of the value added for Finland as well as the majority of the EU, even during the temporary slowdown of trade during the Great Recession. For many countries, trade to the US represents over 10% of the value added from exports to all countries. We find that a large majority of the value added for both Finland and the EU goes directly as intermediate or final goods and services to the US. Much less value added is generated via other countries through either their intermediate or direct final exports to the US. The other most important trade channel is through Germany. We investigate the effect of the trade barriers in several counterfactual scenarios. Using standard export elasticity estimates, we find that the value added generated by Finland and other EU countries through Mexico and China to the US would decline drastically if the US launched tariff rises on imports from Mexico and China to the US. The impacts would be significantly worse if the US raised tariff rates on direct imports from EU countries.
Effects of a diet containing dried grape pomace on blood metabolites and milk composition of dairy cows.

BACKGROUND The effect of a diet containing 15% grape pomace (GP) on the general health status and milk quality of dairy cows was assessed by plasma biochemistry and total polyphenol (TP) content, milk polyphenols, milk composition and milk protein fractions. RESULTS Among the polyphenols measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy in GP, in feed containing GP (GP+) or not containing GP (GP-), gallic acid and epicatechin were present in the highest concentrations (67.58 and 19.23 µg mL-1 , respectively). Higher amounts of TP were also detected in the blood plasma of GP+ cows (114.06 and 83.93 mg GAE L-1 , respectively) but not in their milk (233.17 and 245.75 mg GAE L-1 , respectively). Also a significant increase was found for lactose and β-lactoglobulin, although there was no effect on α-lactalbumin, albumin, secretory components and caseins. CONCLUSION Inclusion of 15% GP in the diets of dairy cows is beneficial for overall normal blood constituent metabolism and helps to maintain cow health. The milk of cows fed with a GP diet preserves the normal levels of fat, protein and caseins, and has increased levels of components that make this milk a versatile ingredient material for the food industry (e.g. model whey powders, stability of lactose-rich powders). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Effects of Cultural dimensions and Demographic Characteristics on E-learning Acceptance

This study aims to develop and test an amalgamated conceptual framework based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and other models from social psychology, such as theory of reasoned action and TAM2 that captures the salient factors influencing the user adoption and acceptance of web-based learning systems. This framework has been applied to the study of higher educational institutions in the context of developing as well as developed countries (e.g. Lebanon and UK). Additionally, the framework investigates the moderating effect of Hofstedes four cultural dimensions at the individual level and a set of individual differences (age, gender, experience and educational level) on the key determinants that affect the behavioral intention to use e-learning. A total of 1197 questionnaires were received from students who were using web-based learning systems at higher educational institutions in Lebanon and the UK with opposite scores on cultural dimensions. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to perform reliability and validity checks, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in conjunction with multi-group analysis method was used to test the hypothesized conceptual model. Our findings suggest that individual, social, cultural and organizational factors are important to consider in explaining students behavioral intention and usage of e-learning environments. The findings of this research contribute to the literature by validating and supporting the applicability of our extended TAM in the Lebanese and British contexts and provide several prominent implications to both theory and practice on the individual, organizational and societal levels.
The BRCA2 polymorphic stop codon: stuff or nonsense?

Background Despite classification of the BRCA2c.9976A>T, p.(Lys3326Ter) variant as a polymorphism, it has been associated with increased risks of pancreatic, lung, oesophageal and breast cancer. Methods We have noticed multiple co-occurrences of the BRCA2 c.9976A>T variant with the pathogenic BRCA2c. 6275_6276delTT frameshift mutation p.(Leu2092ProfsTer7) and using a cohort study have assessed if this might account for these tumour risk associations. Results We identified 52 families with BRCA2c. 6275_6276delTT, all of which occur in cis with the BRCA2c.9976A>T variant allele as demonstrated by co-segregation in all family members tested. Of 3245 breast/ovarian cancer samples sequenced for BRCA2, only 43/3245 (1.3%) carried BRCA2 c.9976A>T alone, after excluding individuals with BRCA2c. 6275_6276delTT (n=22) or other BRCA1 (n=3) or BRCA2 (n=2) pathogenic mutations. The resultant frequency (1.3%) after removal of co-occurring mutations is lower than the 1.7% and 1.67% frequencies from two control populations for BRCA2 c.9976A>T, but similar to the 1.39% seen in the Exome Aggregation Consortium database. We did not identify increased frequencies of oesophageal, pancreatic or lung cancer in families with just BRCA2 c.9976A>T using person-years at risk analysis. Conclusions It is likely that the previous associations of increased cancer risks due to BRCA2c.9976A>T represent reporting bias and are contributed to because the variant is in LD with BRCA2c. 6275_6276delTT.
Changes in public affairs and administration doctoral research, 2000 and 2015

ABSTRACT The study collected data from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database for years 2000 and 2015 in order to explore shifts in public affairs doctoral research. Results indicated a dramatic increase for online doctoral dissertations with 20% of all public administration and public policy dissertations produced from online, for-profit institutions by 2015. When public administration is examined in isolation, 36% of all public administration doctoral dissertations are from online institutions. Concomitantly, doctorate of public administration degrees dropped to 2% of total conferred public administration and public policy degrees. The dramatic rise of public policy as a subject, in comparison to declining self-identification of public administration, was noted. A thematic and comparative curriculum assessment for top producers of all degree types was conducted in order to gauge overlaps and dissimilarity between program types. The implications of the findings are discussed in broader context to understand the pedagogical significance of potential shifts for public affairs education.
Interferon-gamma levels in nasopharyngeal secretions of infants with respiratory syncytial virus and other respiratory viral infections

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, one of the most common causes of hospitalization of children in developed countries, has been implicated as a cause of asthma. We aimed to characterize the cytokine profile in nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) taken from infants during upper respiratory tract infection to investigate whether RSV induced a unique immune response as compared with other viruses. Additionally, we sought to determine whether this profile was influenced by the infants’ atopic status. A prospective birth cohort of babies at high risk of atopy was recruited. Ratios of a T‐helper 1 (Th1) cytokine, interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) and a T‐helper 2 (Th2)‐like cytokine, interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), in NPAs were determined during episodes of respiratory tract infections in the first year. The viral aetiology of the respiratory tract infections was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), culture and immunofluorescence. Atopic status was ascertained at 1 year of age using skin prick tests. Participants were recruited antenatally and subsequently followed in the community. Sixty babies with one or both parents atopic were enrolled into the study. IFN‐γ : IL‐10 ratios in NPAs during upper respiratory tract infections and their correlation with viral aetiology and atopic status were the main outcome measures. The mean IFN‐γ : IL‐10 ratio was significantly lower (due to lower IFN‐γ) during RSV infections than during infections with other viruses (P = 0·035). The cytokine ratio, however, did not differ between infants with or without wheeze during URTIs (P = 0·44), or between infants who were atopic or non‐atopic (P = 0·49). This study suggests that RSV is associated with lower IFN‐γ production in young babies, regardless of their atopic status, compared to upper respiratory tract infections where either another virus is detected or where no viral identification is made.
Affiliated Former Partners on the Audit Committee: Influence on the Auditor-Client Relationship and Audit Quality

Researchers and practitioners have expressed the need to understand better the interactions between audit committees and auditors and how these interactions affect audits. Former partners affiliated with the external auditor and serving on the audit committee are a subset of audit committee members who can affect the audit. Consistent with social identity theory, we find that companies with an affiliated partner on their audit committee are less likely to dismiss the member's former firm than companies without the affiliation. Further, we find improved audit quality and increased effectiveness of auditor effort when affiliated partners serve on the audit committee. Finally, this quality improvement occurs contemporaneously with a reduction in audit fees and time spent on fieldwork, suggesting increased efficiency. Our study provides evidence that affiliated former partners on audit committees extend the tenure of the auditor-client relationship while also improving audit processes and outcomes. JEL Classifications: M4; M42; G3.
Psychological effects of cardiac surgery: a review of the literature

Cardiac surgery is now offered to more patients than ever before. Different age groups are affected by different forms of the disease and, as a result, patients range from new born infants to those in their eighties. In recent years attention has begun to focus on the psychological effects of such surgery. This article considers current research into the cognitive, psychiatric and psychological changes associated with cardiac surgery, with specific reference to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
ESSAYS ON HEDGE FUND TRADING AND PERFORMANCE

OF DISSERTATION ESSAYS ON HEDGE FUND TRADING AND PERFORMANCE In the first essay, I create a hedge fund informed trading measure (ITM) that separates information related trades from liquidity driven trades. The results indicate that ITM predicts future stock returns at the trade level, thus is associated with information. By aggregating the most informed trades at the stock level, I find that stocks heavily purchased by informed hedge funds earn a significant alpha. The results indicate that the ITM performs better than some previously documented measures and is robust to two different versions of the measure. The second essay exploits the expiring nature of hedge fund lockups to create a new, within-fund proxy of funding liquidity risk. When funds have lower funding liquidity risk, risk-adjusted performance improves and exposure to tail risk increases. We use fund fixed-effects, a placebo approach, and a regression discontinuity design to establish a link between funding liquidity risk and the ability of funds to capitalize on risky mispricing. The third essay explores hedge fund managers ability to identify and trade on stock mispricing opportunity. We refer to the amount of capital that are is locked up and refrained from redemption as the stable capital, and study how it affects stock mispricing. We find that when funds have more lockup capital, they are more likely to take mispricing risks. Taking all funds together, more stable capital in the industry is driving the reduction or even correction of market-wide stock mispricing. Underpriced stocks benefit more than overpriced stock from hedge funds stable capital.
Does Fathers’ Care Spill Over? Evaluating Reforms in the Swedish Parental Leave Program

ABSTRACT The aim of reserving months for fathers in the Swedish parental leave system was to increase fathers’ use of leave as well as encourage gender equality in the home and labor market. Using data from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, this study investigates the effects of the reform – reserving one month of leave for fathers in 1995 and a second month in 2002 – on gender equality in the home. The study uses the take up of the parental benefit for the care for sick children (CFSC) as a proxy for gender equality and follows parents’ use of CFSC for twelve years for the first reform and ten years for the second reform. Results indicate the first reform led to more equal leave sharing, mainly because use of the benefit decreased among mothers with low education, and at least in part fulfilled the aim of increasing gender equality in the home.
Unveiling the mission statements in social enterprises: a comparative content analysis of US- vs. Spanish-based organizations

ABSTRACT Mission statements are widely considered an effective strategic and communication tool in all types of organization. Specifically, mission statements are also relevant in social enterprises. Our study examines and describes the mission statements in a sample of 117 Spanish social enterprises and compares them with previous research on US-based social enterprises’ mission statements. A manual content analysis of those mission statements was independently performed by three researchers. A two-sample t-test was performed to test the difference between these two independent US-based and Spanish samples. Our findings suggest that the degree of development of Spanish social enterprises’ mission statements is still in an embryonic state. Additionally, results show that there are significant differences between the components of the social enterprises’ mission statements in Spain and the USA. Mission statements in Spain tend to emphasize customers, products, services and the company philosophy. This study has implications for practitioners, as it highlights the need to elevate the quality of Spanish social enterprises’ mission statements, as well as for researchers, as we uncover future research opportunities that are context specific.