Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 viremia and central nervous system invasion in a novel hu-PBL-immunodeficient mouse strain

We established four new mouse strains with defective T and B cells as well as defects in innate immunological reactions using an NK cell depletion antibody and showed that all mutant mouse strains efficiently received human peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) engraftment (hu-PBL-scid mice). Higher levels of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication were observed in these new hu-PBL-scid mice than in conventional hu-PBL-C.B-17-scid mice. In one particular strain, hu-PBL-NOD-scid mice, high levels of HIV-1 viremia (more than 10(6) 50% infectious doses per ml) were detected after infection with HIV-1. The plasma viral load was about 100 to 1,000 times higher than that observed in other hu-PBL-scid mice infected with HIV-1. Although high-level viremia did not correlate with the total amount of HIV-1 RNA in cells from infected mice, high levels of free virions were detected only in hu-PBL-NOD-scid mice. HIV-1 viremia induced systemic HIV-1 infection involving the liver, lungs, and brain. PCR in situ hybridization confirmed that HIV-1-infected cells invaded the brain tissue of the hu-PBL-NOD-scid mice. Our results suggest that the genetic background, including innate immunity, is critical in the development of primary HIV-1 viremia and subsequent central nervous system invasion with HIV-1. The hu-PBL-NOD-scid mouse represents a useful model for the study of the pathogenesis of HIV-1 in vivo, especially brain involvement, and therapy of primary HIV-1 viremia.
Multicenter Phase 2 Study of Combined Gemcitabine and Epirubicin as Second-Line Treatment for Patients With Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Objective: The aim of this phase 2 trial was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of combined gemcitabine (G) and epirubicin (E) as second-line treatment for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Methods: Treatment with G 1000 mg/m2 (days 1 and 8) and E 60 mg/m2 (day 1) every 3 weeks for 3 or, in the absence of progression, 6 courses. Results: Fifty patients with advanced ovarian cancer (31 serous, 2 endometrioid, 10 unclassified adenocarcinoma, and 7 other) and a median age of 60 years (range, 38-74 years) were enrolled after giving their informed consent. Performance status according to the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group was 0 in 29 patients (58%), 1 in 17 patients (34%), and 2 in 4 patients (8%), and the initial stages according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics were I to II in 4 patients (8%), III in 31 patients (62%), and IV in 15 patients (30%). They had previously received a median of 1.5 lines of treatment (range, 1-4). The median platinum-free interval was 5 months (range, 0-12 months): 32 patients had relapse within 6 months and 18 patients had relapse after 6 months. The response rate was 42% (2% complete response and 40% partial response), with a median duration of 7.2 months: the corresponding figures were 37.5% and 5.2 months in the platinum-resistant patients and 50% and 8.8 months in the platinum-sensitive patients. The main grade 3 to 4 hematological toxicity was neutropenia (56% of cases). After a median follow-up of 13.5 months, median progression-free survival was 5 months, and median overall survival was 23.5 months. Conclusions: This E + G combination seems to be active and safe in platinum-resistant/refractory patients.
Whānau Coping Under the Circumstance of Multiple Job Holding

This thesis explores how Māori whānau cope under the circumstance of multiple job holding in four whānau who have at least one member who is a multiple job holder. The study uses a behavioural model of family resilience to identify the factors that enable or inhibit whānau coping. It finds that the reasons that influence Māori whānau multiple job holding can shape the whānau ability to cope while multiple job holding. The whānau in this study were found to have multiple motives for multiple job holding. Multiple job holding was used as a buffer mechanism because of previous financial stresses and strains, to facilitate future career and employment development and to enable a parent to fulfil what they perceived to be parental-financial obligations. In one case a demand for Māori skilled professional workers, led a whānau member to take on an extra job to fill this demand. Of importance, the study finds that resources are an essential factor when considering how whānau cope. Coping is facilitated by access to multiple resources and the types of resources required by whānau will be contextually specific in each whānau case.
Impact of Using Organic Acids and Sodium Sulfite on the Quality of Unpeeled Shrimp

This study was done to evaluate the impact of using organic acid and sodium sulfite on the quality criteria of unpeeled shrimp. Total five kilograms of unpeeled shrimp were collected from retail markets at Giza city. Samples were divided into five lots each about one kilogram (approximately fifty samples for each). Samples were subjected to various treatments with (6% vinegar, 3% citric acid and 2% sodium sulfite). Treated samples were evaluated by sensory and bacterial examinations. Treated samples with 6% vinegar and 3 % citric acid improved the sensory quality and extended the shelf life of the samples stored at 0°C, also reduce the bacterial counts especially (APC, coliforms and fecal coliforms). Samples packed in crushed ice and those treated with 2% sodium sulfite (stored at 0°C for 4 days) showed deterioration changes (black color and abnormal odors) and also increasing pH values. The public health significance of isolated microorganism was also discussed.
The neuropsychology of object constancy

There have been several proposals for the mechanism by which we are able to recognize an object across a number of viewpoints. Viewpoint-dependent accounts suggest that recognition may be based on an incremental transformation (e.g., mental rotation) strategy, while a variety of viewpoint-independent mechanisms for object recognition have also been proposed. Recent research in neurobiology, based on the two cortical visual systems account, suggest that the processes of viewpoint-dependent and viewpoint-independent object recognition may rely on separate anatomical regions, and that brain lesions may leave patients with selective access to particular types of representation. Evidence from a variety of neuropsychological disorders are reviewed to support the position that viewpoint-independent object recognition depends upon the integrity of occipitotemporal structures. In addition, it is suggested that viewpoint-dependent processes (perhaps depending on occipitoparietal structures) may supplement this primary system under nonoptimal circumstances. (JINS, 1997, 3, 288–298.)
The Persistence of Long-Run Abnormal Stock Returns Following Stock Repurchases and Offerings

The long-run abnormal returns following both stock repurchases and seasoned equity offerings disappear for the events in the most recent decade. The disappearance is associated with the changing market environment – increased institutional investment, decreased trading costs, improved liquidity, and enhanced regulations on corporate governance and information disclosure. In response to the changing market environment, firms become less opportunistic in stock repurchases and offerings. Recent events are motivated more for business operating reasons than to exploit mispricing. Both external market factors and internal firm factors contribute to the disappearance of the post-event abnormal returns. Our evidence on the recent events contrasts with the findings of earlier studies and sheds light on how the changing market environment affect both asset pricing and corporate behavior.
Dynamic music and immersion in the action-adventure an empirical investigation

Aiming to immerse players into a new realm of drama experience, a growing number of video games utilize interactive, 'dynamic' music that reacts adaptively to game events. Though little is known about the involved perceptual processes, the design rationale of enhanced immersive experiences is taken over by public discussion including scientific accounts, despite lacking empirical validation. The present paper intends to fill this gap by hypothesizing facilitatory effects of dynamic music on attention allocation in the matching of expected and incoming expressive characteristics of concurrent stimuli. Moreover, personality constructs are investigated in mediating the decoding and sensing of experiences linked to immersion, presence, and emotion. The experiment explored experiential states of immersion, emotional valence/arousal as well as trait music empathizing and emotional involvement in the context of dynamic and non-dynamic music. 60 subjects answered self-report questionnaires each time after playing a 3rd-person action-adventure in one of three conditions accounting for (1) dynamic music, (2) non-dynamic music/low arousal potential and (3) non-dynamic music/high arousal potential, in this way aiming to manipulate structural-temporal alignment, emotional arousal and resulting congruency of nondiegetic music. Shedding light on the implications of music dramaturgy within a semantic ecology, different layers of mind sets between the player, avatar, and game environment are assumed to moderate a continuous regulatory modulation of emotional response achieved by context effects of dynamic music.
Cloning and Sequencing of a Part of the Heat Shock Protein 65 Gene (hsp65) of “Tropheryma whippelii” and Its Use for Detection of “T. whippelii” in Clinical Specimens by PCR

ABSTRACT Using broad-spectrum primers, we have amplified, cloned, and sequenced a 620-bp fragment of the “Tropheryma whippelii” heat shock protein 65 gene (hsp65) from the heart valve of a patient with Whipple's endocarditis. The deduced amino acid sequence shows high similarity to those from actinobacteria, confirming that “T. whippelii” is indeed a member of this phylum. Based on the nucleotide sequence, we have developed a “T. whippelii”-specific seminested PCR. Seventeen patients shown to be positive by 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) PCR and/or internal transcribed spacer (ITS) PCR were also positive byhsp65 PCR. All 33 control specimens from patients without Whipple's disease and negative for “T. whippelii” by both seminested 16S rDNA and ITS PCR remained negative. All amplicons digested with XhoI revealed an identical restriction pattern. Eight of the 17 hsp65 amplicons representing all three previously described ITS types were sequenced. Three of the amplicons showed slight differences, but none of the mutations detected affected the amino acid sequence of the corresponding protein. We conclude that the hsp65 gene is a suitable target for the specific detection of “T. whippelii. ” Its product represents a putative antigen for a future serodiagnostic assay.
Cytogenetic and clinicopathological characterization by fluorescence in situ hybridization on paraffin-embedded tissue sections of twenty-six cases with malignant lymphoma of small intestine

Objective. In small intestinal malignant lymphoma (SIML), the correlation between specific chromosomal abnormalities and clinicopathological features remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of chromosomal translocations involving the BCL1, BCL2, c-MYC, BCL6 and MALT1 genes by using fluorescence in situ hybridization directly on paraffin-embedded tissue sections (tissue-FISH). Material and methods. Twenty-six cases diagnosed as having SIML between 1996 and 2003 were the subjects of the clinicopathological investigation conducted in this study. Tissue-FISH was performed with specific probes on paraffin-embedded tissue sections as described previously. Results. The primary site was frequently located at the duodenum (9 cases, 35%). In accordance with the World Health Organization classification, 14 (53%) cases were diagnosed as having diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and 6 (23%) as marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Macroscopically, DLBCL and MALT lymphoma displayed various macroscopic features. Cytogenetically, IGH-BCL2 translocation was detected in 3 (21%) out of 14 DLBCL cases, but in none of the MALT lymphomas. BCL6 translocation was detected in 5 (35%) of 14 DLBCL cases and in 1 (17%) of 6 MALT lymphoma cases (17%). API2-MALT1 translocation was detected in 1 (7%) of 14 DLBCL cases and in 1 (17%) of 6 MALT lymphoma cases. Conclusions. The duodenum was preferentially involved in SIML. DLBCL and MALT lymphoma showed various macroscopic features. Tissue-FISH analysis disclosed that DLBCL is cytogenetically heterogeneous. Furthermore, our study validated tissue-FISH as an additional promising diagnostic tool for detecting specific chromosomal translocations in NHL.
Administrative Challenges in Hospitality Management Education

Leaders in hospitality management education face diverse challenges in today's competitive and changing environment. One of the keys to success is the understanding of the administrative challenges that will define the necessary skills for effective leadership. This study applied qualitative and quantitative methods and examined the opinions of 50 faculty members and administrators. The data were analyzed in two levels; the examination of aggregate data and the comparison of opinions between the two groups. Key challenges include dealing with faculty, budgetary and fiscal challenges, administrative management, curriculum and program development, increasing the diversity of faculty and students, and technological challenges. This study also notes the importance of the relationship between leadership skills and challenges, and the dynamics between the two concepts, while suggesting the importance for hospitality institutions to invest more fully in formally training their academic leadership.
Chronological and subjective age differences in flourishing mental health and major depressive episode

Mental health is more than the absence of psychopathology, but few studies use positive mental health along with a measure of past year major depressive episode (MDE). This study addresses this gap by investigating the association of MDE and flourishing mental health (FMH) with chronological age and subjective (felt and ideal) age. Data are from the Midlife in the United States random digit dialing sample of adults ages 25 to 74, collected in 1995 (n = 3032). Rates of MDE were lowest, and FMH highest, among the three oldest age cohorts (45–54, 55–64, 65–74 years). Subjective age was linked with chronological age; with age, adults tend to feel younger, and want to be an age that is younger, than their actual age. As predicted by the model of subjective age as an adaptive strategy, feeling younger was related to a lower risk of MDE and a higher risk of FMH. However, wanting to be younger was related to a lower risk of FMH and unrelated to MDE.
Organisational learning and the organisational life cycle: The differential aspects of an integrated relationship in SMEs

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to relate the practice of organisational learning in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the organisational life cycle (OLC), contextualising the differential aspects of an integrated relationship between them. Design/methodology/approach – It is a mixed-method study with two consecutive phases. In Phase I, 30 Hong Kong SMEs identified through theoretical sampling were classified into three life-cycle stages – inception, high growth and maturity. In Phase II, their employees’ learning practices (grouped by learning levels) were statistically compared using the analysis of variance and then followed up for confirmation with qualitative semi-structured interviews. Findings – This study uniquely suggests the nature of a relationship between SME organisational learning and the OLC. Empirical results show that three of the four learning levels (individual, group, organisational and inter-organisational) practised in SMEs are varied in importance between life-cyc.
Posttraumatic subchondral bone contusions and fractures of the talotibial joint: occurrence of "kissing" lesions.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the presence and location of subchondral bone contusions, fractures, and "kissing" lesions of the talotibial joint after a sprain of the ankle shown on MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the images of all consecutive patients who underwent MR imaging of the ankle after acute or recurrent sprain occurring between January and December 1997. The number and location of subchondral contusions or fractures revealed on MR imaging were recorded, and a comparison was made with the radiographs obtained for each patient. RESULTS Of the 146 ankles, 42 osteochondral lesions were revealed on MR imaging in 26 ankles (18%) involving 23 patients. Twenty-three lesions were localized in the dome of the talus and 19, in the tibiofibular plafond. In 16 (11%) of the 146 ankles, the lesions were present in the opposing bones of the joint ("kissing" lesions). Only six of the 12 talar fractures and none of the tibial fractures involving the 26 ankles were seen on conventional radiography. CONCLUSION Subchondral lesions in the talus and tibia are relatively common after ankle trauma, occurring in 18% of patients in our series. Kissing lesions were present in more than half of the lesions in these patients.
A large, single center investigation of the immunogenetic factors affecting liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND Reports on the relevance of immunogenetic factors in liver transplantation are often conflicting or inconclusive. We have, therefore, investigated a range of factors that may underlie liver graft survival. METHODS The influences of HLA, flow cytometric, and enhanced cytotoxic crossmatching and immunoglobulin (Ig)A levels on graft survival, and acute and chronic rejection were investigated for a single center involving 446 patients over 13 years. RESULTS The effect of HLA mismatching on graft survival was significant (P<10(-2)) and was reversed in recipients with autoimmune diseases (P<0.5x10(-2)), whereas the effect of HLA mismatches on the level of acute rejection was detrimental in all recipients. There was a significant effect of a positive cytotoxic crossmatch on 3-month (P<10(-5)) and 1-year (P<10(-4)) graft survival, and an additional effect of the flow cytometric crossmatch was seen for chronic rejection (P<10(-2)) and acute rejection (P<10(-2)). Recipients with HLA-A1,B8,DRB1*0301 had higher levels of acute rejection (P<0.5x10(-2)), and recipients who received an ABO compatible-nonidentical transplant have a significantly higher risk (P<10(-2)) of developing chronic rejection. Finally, the beneficial effect of high serum IgA and, specifically, IgA anti Fab, seen in renal transplants was not evident in liver transplants, and in fact the opposite may be true, at least for acute rejection (P<0.5x10(-2)). CONCLUSIONS By separating the recipients with autoimmune disease from other patients and by including acute and chronic rejection as outcome parameters, we have used the power of a large single-centre study to delineate the significance of some of the important immunogenetic factors involved in liver transplantation.
Effects of FDI on Entrepreneurial Activity: Evidence from Right-to-Work and Non-Right-to-Work States

This paper investigates the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on entrepreneurial activity at the individual-owner level in U.S. states over 1996- 2008. Our results indicate that FDI has no effect on entrepreneurial activity in Right-to-Work (RTW) states. In non-RTW states, however, we find that an increase in FDI decreases the average monthly rate of business creation and destruction. Specifically, a 10-percent increase in FDI decreases the average monthly rate of business creation and destruction by roughly 4 and 2.5 percent (relative to sample mean), respectively.
“What? I thought Samsung was Japanese”: accurate or not, perceived country of origin matters

Purpose – Extensive research has shown that country‐of‐origin (COO) information significantly affects product evaluations and buying behavior. Yet recently, a competing perspective has emerged suggesting that COO effects have been inflated in prior research and even that the COO concept has become irrelevant. The purpose of this paper is to reconcile these two competing perspectives by examining the effects of individual brand origin perceptions.Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual framework is grounded in consumers’ learning. Empirically, the authors’ hypotheses are tested using hierarchical linear modeling on a sample of 4,047 brand evaluations by 544 consumers.Findings – The results provide strong evidence that product country image of the consumer's perceived brand origin strongly affects brand attitudes, and this happens regardless of the perceptions’ objective accuracy. The authors also find evidence that educating consumers about brands’ true COO can contribute to changes in brand attitudes.
Industry and Firm Influences on Performance: Evidence from Polish Public Firms

This study examines the influence of industry and firm effects on performance of Polish listed companies. The study is based on the data on 387 companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in the period 2007-2010. Each of them has also been classified into a specific industry according to the Polish PKD classification (similar to NACE Rev.2). The results of this research show that industry effects have nonsignificant influence on companies' performance while one of the used models (with ROA as a dependent variable) showed significant influence of company effects.
Market orientation and performance in small independent retailers in the UK

Many commentators suggest that market and competitive dynamics threaten the very survival of small shops in the UK. In light of this, the research presented here reports the findings of a major study that investigates the relationship between market orientation and performance in small UK retailers through an empirical analysis of survey data. Findings indicate that market orientation and performance are positively related and, moreover that, the customer strategy focus of small retailers is the key determinant of success compared with other components of market orientation and environmental influences. The implications for practitioners and policy makers are considered, particularly the importance of market-oriented culture in formulating and implementing customer-led strategies which distinguish successful small retailers from those that struggle to survive.