Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of arterial load on left ventricular performance: an invasive haemodynamic study in severe mitral stenosis

A hallmark of mitral stenosis (MS) is the markedly altered left ventricular (LV) loading. As most of the methods used to determine LV performance in MS patients are influenced by loading conditions, previous studies have shown conflicting results. The present study calculated LV elastance, which is a robust method to quantify LV function. We demonstrate that LV loading in MS patients is elevated but normalizes after valve repair and might be a result of reflex pathways. Additionally, we show that the LV in MS is less compliant than normal due to a combination of right ventricular loading and the valvular disease itself. Immediately after valve dilatation the increase in blood inflow into the LV results in even greater LV stiffness. Our findings enrich our understanding of heart function in MS patients and provide a simple reproducible way of assessing LV performance in MS.
Sex and performance under competition : Is there a stereotype threat shadow ? 1

In this paper we experimentally study performance of men and women under competition, with implicitly and explicitly induced stereotype threats to both sexes. We use a mathematical task that is perceived as male-dominant and creates an implicit stereotype threat against woman. We also study conditions in which we explicitly reinforce or contradict the implicit stereotype threat by providing appropriate information. We find that despite stereotype threats against women, both men and women react positively and equally strong to competitive incentives. When the stereotype threat is explicitly contradicted, competitive incentives do not have an effect on the performance of both men and women. Our findings contrast previous results suggesting that men are more responsive to competition than women. We observe that men and women react similarly to competition in terms of performance across three different stereotype threat conditions. Interestingly, we also find that explicit stereotypebased expectations that contradict the stereotype men and women hold harm the competitive performance of both sexes.
Retailer and consumer perceptions of online fashion retailers: Web site design issues

Examines the Web sites of online fashion retailers. It evaluates the role of the Internet as a distribution channel and in particular discusses issues of Web page design. Retailer and consumer views within the fashion sector are explored in a three‐stage qualitative research process. This research highlights the differences in retail and consumer perception of fashion Web sites. While retailers are satisfied by their online offer they lack an understanding of consumer needs. Consumers are disappointed in the lack of service and product provision provided by fashion Web sites. Areas of concern include overall Web page design, level of interactivity, absence of information about fashion trends and inconsistency across Web sites.
Understanding Strategic Learning: Linking Organizational Learning, Knowledge Management, and Sensemaking

Strategic learning aims to generate learning in support of future strategic initiatives that will, in turn, foster knowledge asymmetries that can lead to differences in organizational performance. From a case study of a unique organization whose purpose is to facilitate strategic knowledge distillation, it was found that this process is characterized by targeted information gathering that relies on diverse experts for interpretation as well as validation. It also embodies the organizational capability to leverage information technologies in the distillation effort, integrating them with processes for generating, storing, and transporting rich, de-embedded knowledge across multiple levels of the organization. As a result of the case study, a model of the strategic learning is developed and a series of propositions regarding its context and processes are presented based on this model. The model highlights key dimensions of strategic learning that suggest design parameters for organizations building strategic learning systems.
On Terminal Nodes and the Degree Profile of Preferential Dynamic Attachment Circuits

We investigate terminal nodes and the degree profile in preferential dynamic attachment circuits. We study the distribution of the number of terminal nodes, which are the nodes that have not recruited other nodes, as the circuit ages. The expectation and variance of the number of terminal nodes are both linear with respect to the age of the circuit. We show via martingale that the number of terminal nodes asymptotically follows a Gaussian law. We also study the exact distribution of the degree of a specific node as the circuit grows. The exact expectation and variance of the degree of a node are determined via a series of Polya–Eggenberger urn models with “hiccups” in between and recurrence methods. Phase transitions of these degrees are discussed briefly.
Who shops groceries where and how? – the relationship between choice of store format and type of grocery shopping

This study investigates the relationship between type of grocery shopping, consumers' choice of store format and demographic characteristics. By simultaneously observing consumers' choice of store format and whether they are major or fill-in shopping, we are able to investigate more combinations of shopping types and store format than has been done previously. In an Internet survey, a sample of 1575 Swedish consumers reported how they shop groceries. Statistical analyses were performed to determine what consumer characteristics explain frequency of major versus fill-in shopping and frequency of shopping in supermarkets versus convenience stores. Five different segments of consumers are distinguished on the basis of how they shop (major versus fill-in shopping) and where they shop (supermarkets versus convenience stores): Planning Suburbans, Pedestrians, Social Shoppers,City Dwellers and Flexibles. These segments differ on various characteristics. The results inform retailers of the characteristics of consumers patronizing their stores, enabling them to change the store attributes to fit consumer needs as well as the needs of new consumers.
Tumor surveillance via the ARF-p53 pathway.

The retinoblastoma (Rb) and p53 genes are not essential for completion of the cell division cycle, but disruption of their functions is central to the life history of most, if not all, cancer cells (for review, see Weinberg 1995; Sherr 1996; Levine 1997). Surprisingly, Rb and p53 are themselves regulated by two proteins encoded by a single genetic locus, INK4a/ARF, the products of which, p16 and p19, are also potent tumor suppressors. The role of p16 as an inhibitor of cyclin D-dependent kinases has been appreciated since its discovery (Serrano et al. 1993). Now, emerging evidence is providing valuable insights into the molecular circuitry through which p19 modulates p53 activity as part of a checkpoint response to oncogenic, hyperproliferative signals.
Private Equity Performance in M&A Transactions: Empirical Evidence from the Buy and Sell Side

We assess the pricing of transactions undertaken by private equity (PE) funds in comparison to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) of strategic acquirers and sellers. Controlling for company and deal characteristics, we show that PE funds pay less, on average, than strategic buyers for comparable target corporations. We argue that this higher price sensitivity comes from PE firms’ inability to benefit from synergies and show that, in PE add-on acquisitions, this discount disappears. The PE discount is consistent for all PE firm and fund characteristics but shrinks for a subsample of minority deals. When selling their portfolio companies to strategic acquirers, PE funds sell at comparable pricing levels as strategic sellers. The PE discount prevails when PE funds sell to other PE funds (secondary deals).
The Long-Term Stock Market Valuation of Customer Satisfaction

Firm valuation has been an important domain of interest for finance. However, most financial models do not include customer-related metrics in this process. Studies in marketing have found that one particular customer metric, customer satisfaction, improves the ability to predict future cash flows, long-term financial measures, stock performance, and shareholder value. However, most of these studies predominantly employ models that are not directly used in finance practice. This article extends existing literature by examining the impact of customer satisfaction on firm valuation by employing multiples and risk-adjusted abnormal return models borrowed directly from the practice of finance. Data include 3600 firm-quarter observations from the American Customer Satisfaction Index, COMPUSTAT, and Center for Research in Securities Prices databases from 1996 to 2006. The results indicate that a portfolio of stocks consisting of firms with high levels and positive changes in customer satisfaction will outperform the other three possible portfolio combinations (low levels and negative changes, low levels and positive changes, and high levels and negative changes in customer satisfaction) along with Standard & Poor's 500. Initially, the stock market undervalues positive satisfaction information, but the market adjusts in the long run.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Ascending Single Doses of Moxifloxacin, a New 8-Methoxy Quinolone, Administered to Healthy Subjects

ABSTRACT The pharmacokinetics of moxifloxacin were investigated in six studies after oral administration of 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg. Eight healthy male volunteers were included in each study. With doses of up to 200 mg the study was performed as a double-blind, randomized group comparison (n = 6 verum andn = 2 matched placebo); with the higher doses the study was conducted with a double-blind, randomized, crossover design. Safety and tolerability were assessed by evaluation of vital signs, electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms, clinical chemistry parameters, results of urinalysis, and adverse events. The drug was well tolerated. The concentrations of moxifloxacin in plasma, urine, and saliva were determined by a validated high-pressure liquid chromatography assay with fluorescence detection. In addition, plasma and urine samples were analyzed by a bioassay. A good correlation between both methods was seen, indicating an absence of major active metabolites. The mean maximum concentrations of moxifloxacin in plasma (Cmax) ranged from 0.29 mg/liter (50-mg dose) to 4.73 mg/liter (800-mg dose) and were reached 0.5 to 4 h following drug administration. After reaching theCmax, plasma moxifloxacin concentrations declined in a biphasic manner. Within 4 to 5 h they fell to about 30 to 55% of the Cmax, and thereafter a terminal half-life of 11 to 14 h accounted for the major part of the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). During the absorption phase concentrations in saliva were even higher than those in plasma, whereas in the terminal phase a constant ratio of the concentration in saliva/concentration in plasma of between 0.5 and 1 was observed, indicating a correlation between unbound concentrations in plasma and levels in saliva (protein binding level, approximately 48%). AUC and Cmax increased proportionally to the dose over the whole range of doses investigated. Urinary excretion amounted to approximately 20% of the dose. Data on renal clearance (40 to 51 ml/min/1.73 m2) indicated partial tubular reabsorption of the drug. The pharmacokinetic parameters derived from compartmental and noncompartmental analyses were in good agreement. The kinetics could be described best by fitting the data to a two-compartment body model.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis WhiB3 Responds to Vacuolar pH-induced Changes in Mycothiol Redox Potential to Modulate Phagosomal Maturation and Virulence*

The ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to resist intraphagosomal stresses, such as oxygen radicals and low pH, is critical for its persistence. Here, we show that a cytoplasmic redox sensor, WhiB3, and the major M. tuberculosis thiol, mycothiol (MSH), are required to resist acidic stress during infection. WhiB3 regulates the expression of genes involved in lipid anabolism, secretion, and redox metabolism, in response to acidic pH. Furthermore, inactivation of the MSH pathway subverted the expression of whiB3 along with other pH-specific genes in M. tuberculosis. Using a genetic biosensor of mycothiol redox potential (EMSH), we demonstrated that a modest decrease in phagosomal pH is sufficient to generate redox heterogeneity in EMSH of the M. tuberculosis population in a WhiB3-dependent manner. Data indicate that M. tuberculosis needs low pH as a signal to alter cytoplasmic EMSH, which activates WhiB3-mediated gene expression and acid resistance. Importantly, WhiB3 regulates intraphagosomal pH by down-regulating the expression of innate immune genes and blocking phagosomal maturation. We show that this block in phagosomal maturation is in part due to WhiB3-dependent production of polyketide lipids. Consistent with these observations, MtbΔwhiB3 displayed intramacrophage survival defect, which can be rescued bypharmacological inhibition of phagosomal acidification. Last, MtbΔwhiB3 displayed marked attenuation in the lungs of guinea pigs. Altogether, our study revealed an intimate link between vacuolar acidification, redox physiology, and virulence in M. tuberculosis and discovered WhiB3 as crucial mediator of phagosomal maturation arrest and acid resistance in M. tuberculosis.
Effect of activated charcoal dressings on healing outcomes of chronic wounds.

OBJECTIVE To compare the ability of activated charcoal dressings with that of a hydrocolloid dressing to reduce the wound area of chronic wounds. METHOD Two separate randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were undertaken; both used the same hydrocolloid as the control. One RCT compared Actisorb (without silver) with the control on chronic pressure ulcers and the other RCT compared Actisorb Silver 220 with the control on chronic venous leg ulcers. Patients were followed for four weeks. Baseline patient demographic and wound characteristics were comparable between the treatment and control groups. Wounds were assessed at weekly intervals. Ulcers were photographed and then traced by an experienced, independent investigator. Both the reduction in ulcer area and the percentage reduction were calculated. RESULTS Sixty patients were enrolled into each study, although data for one patient were not available in the pressure ulcer study. There were differences in results at week 1 in favour of the treatment group in both studies, although the results for the two groups in each study were comparable at week 4. Activated charcoal dressing was better tolerated than the control. CONCLUSION These clinical data indicate the potential usefulness of using activated charcoal impregnated with silver in the management of chronic wounds, even at the debridement stage. This dressing may help remove fluids and toxins that impair the healing process.
Chronic persistent Epstein‐Barr virus infection of natural killer cells and B cells associated with granular lymphocytes expansion

B lymphocytes and epithelial cells are the only cell types known to be infected with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) in normal individuals. Rarely, EBV also infects other cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, almost always in the context of fatal leukaemias or lymphoproliferative disorders. We report on a 6‐year‐old previously healthy girl who developed fevers and liver function abnormalities for 3 months. The peripheral blood revealed an abnormal expansion of large granular lymphocytes, comprising 24% of the white blood cells. Flow cytometric analysis of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed an abnormal increase of CD16‐positive NK cells, 62% of which were EBV‐infected by in situ EBER‐1 hybridization. The circulating B cells were normal in number, but 18% were infected with EBV by in situ EBER‐1 hybridization. Approximately 2 years after resolution of all symptoms and continued good health, 35% of the circulating mononuclear cells were EBV‐infected, indicative of persistent expansion of EBV‐infected cells. We conclude that abnormal expansions of EBV‐infected NK and B cells can be associated with a chronic benign course.
Better Control of Early Viral Replication Is Associated With Slower Rate of Elicited Antiviral Antibodies in the Detuned Enzyme Immunoassay During Primary HIV-1C Infection

Background:Estimation of HIV incidence rates is important for timing interventions, planning prevention studies, and monitoring the epidemic. This requires accurate estimation of the “recency period” (also known as the “window period”) between seroconversion and achievement of specific detectable levels of anti-HIV antibody titers, such as the standardized optical density (SOD) in the early phase of HIV-1 infection. Methods:To obtain a better understanding of interpatient variation of the recency period, prospective measurements of antiviral antibody titers in the early phase of HIV-1 subtype C infection were quantified by Vironostika-LS. Time of seroconversion was estimated by Fiebig staging. Results:The profiles of SOD values during the first year of infection commonly showed slow initial increase followed by a more rapid increase, although in some patients, SOD values increased rapidly soon after seroconversion. Using an SOD cutoff of 1.0, the average duration of the recency period in subtype C infection in the local epidemic in Botswana was estimated to be 151 days (95% confidence interval: 130 to 172 days) post seroconversion. The recency period was significantly associated (P = 0.007) with the level of viral replication during the first 2-3 months post seroconversion. Reduction of SOD values after initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was a dominant pattern in antiretroviral drug (ARV)-treated subjects. Conclusions:Our data suggest that HIV incidence estimation based on sensitive/less sensitive enzyme immunoassay cross-sectional testing could be potentially improved by incorporation of viral load levels at the time of detection of a recent infection.
Business banking in Australia: a comparison of expectations

Addresses the question of how well the banking industry in Australia understands the needs of their business customers. It is based on a nationwide survey of chief executive officers of 2,500 business firms and 25 banks conducted during 1996. In the survey, both groups were asked to rank those factors they consider most important in the bank selection process. Overall, significant differences were found in six out of 15 factors. When the responses were analyzed on the basis of market segment served, we found that Australian bankers have missed the mark when it comes to the issues of competitive prices and service delivery. These results will no doubt have an impact on the marketing efforts of Australian banks as they move into the twentieth century. They should also be useful to firms currently operating in Australia or firms interested in doing so in the future.
The Confusion Effect in Predatory Neural Networks

A simple artificial neural network model of image reconstruction in sensory maps is presented to explain the difficulty predators experience in targeting prey in large groups (the confusion effect). Networks are trained to reconstruct multiple randomly conformed “retinal” images of prey groups in an internal spatial map of their immediate environment. They are then used to simulate prey targeting by predators on groups of specific conformation. Networks trained with the biologically plausible associative reward‐penalty method produce a more realistic model of the confusion effect than those trained with the popular but biologically implausible backpropagation method. The associative reward‐penalty model makes the novel prediction that the accuracy–group size relationship is U shaped, and this prediction is confirmed by empirical data gathered from interactive computer simulation experiments with humans as “predators. ” The model further predicts all factors known from previous empirical work (and most factors suspected) to alleviate the confusion effect: increased relative intensity of the target object, heterogeneity of group composition, and isolation of the target. Interestingly, group compaction per se is not predicted to worsen predator confusion. This study indicates that the relatively simple, nonattentional mechanism of information degradation in the sensory mapping process is potentially important in generating the confusion effect.
Low plasma apelin levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE To investigate blood apelin concentrations in patients with newly diagnosed and untreated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had no additional disorder and to investigate the association of apelin with adiponectin, body mass indexes (BMI) and insulin sensitivity. METHODS Forty patients with T2DM and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. Apelin levels were measured along with BMI, lipids, glucose, insulin and adiponectin levels, and HOMA-IR indexes. Age, sex and BMI were similar in the two groups. RESULTS Plasma apelin and adiponectin levels were significantly lower in the diabetic group compared to controls (p<0.001, for both). Insulin levels and HOMA indexes were significantly higher in patients with T2DM (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Apelin levels were negatively correlated with age (r=-0.315, p=0.006), fasting blood glucose (r=-0.556, p<0.001) and HOMA indexes (r=-0.411, p=0.001), and positively correlated with plasma adiponectin levels (r=0.593, p<0.001). Plasma adiponectin was negatively correlated to plasma insulin (r=-0.379, p=0.001), fasting glucose (r=-0.604, p<0.001), HOMA-IR (r=-0.559, p<0.001) and BMI (=-0.229, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS Plasma apelin is reduced in newly diagnosed and untreated patients with T2DM having no confounders. Regulation of circulating apelin and adiponectin seems to be in the same manner in patients with T2DM. Dysregulation of apelin might be involved in the mechanism of establishment of overt diabetes mellitus as well as associated atherosclerotic complications.
The Impact of Violent Content on Pricing of Media Products

Although considerable research exists on the impact of exposure to violence on individual and group behavior, existing research has not examined how violent media are valued by consumers, specifically as it relates to the pricing and promotion of media products. In this study a total of 960 monthly price observations for video games and DVD movies were collected. Pricing data for the month of product launch as well as the months following the launch were compiled and subjected to ANOVA and regression analyses, to determine the role of violent content on both new and pre-owned prices. Consistent with the theoretical framework presented, the results indicate that violence can systematically impact prices, but the impact depends on the medium. In the video game market violent content contributes to a faster rate of price depletion, while in the DVD market it helps new product prices appreciate post-launch. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for managers, public policy advocates, and researchers.