Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identifying the components of effective service advertisements

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the components that make up an effective service advertisement.Design/methodology/approach – This is achieved by examining a sample of service advertisements that have been recognised for their success. The advertisements are analysed with reference to two areas of discussion; the use of rational and emotional appeals and the presence of three executional tools, i.e. physical representation, documentation and showing the service encounter/provider. The methodology uses a combination of case study approach and a content analysis of effective service advertisements. The appeals are classified utilising the Pollay (1983) list of advertising appeals. The three executional tools are taken from an overview of the main conceptual frameworks.Findings – The majority of advertisements utilise emotional appeals for not only experiential but also utilitarian services. They also provide physical representation of the service and an illustration of the service encounte.
Excess intracellular concentration of the pSC101 RepA protein interferes with both plasmid DNA replication and partitioning

RepA, a plasmid-encoded gene product required for pSC101 replication in Escherichia coli, is shown here to inhibit the replication of pSC101 in vivo when overproduced 4- to 20-fold in trans. Unlike plasmids whose replication is prevented by mutations in the repA gene, plasmids prevented from replicating by overproduction of the RepA protein were lost rapidly from the cell population instead of being partitioned evenly between daughter cells. Removal of the partition (par) locus increased the inhibitory effect of excess RepA on replication, while host and plasmid mutations that compensate for the absence of par, or overproduction of the E. coli DnaA protein, diminished it. A repA mutation (repA46) that elevates pSC101 copy number almost entirely eliminated the inhibitory effect of RepA at high concentration and stimulated replication when the protein was moderately overproduced. As the RepA protein can exist in both monomer and dimer forms, we suggest that overproduction promotes RepA dimerization, reducing the formation of replication initiation complexes that require the RepA monomer and DnaA; we propose that the repA46 mutation alters the ability of the mutant protein to dimerize. Our discovery that an elevated intracellular concentration of RepA specifically impedes plasmid partitioning implies that the RepA-containing complexes initiating pSC101 DNA replication participate also in the distribution of plasmids at cell division.
Psychosocial adversity and child psychopathology

Background Despite strong claims that genetic theory' should replace socialisation theory’, there are good grounds for taking seriously the notion that there are psychosocial influences on child psychopathology. Aims To re-evaluate this issue in the light of developments over the past half-century. Method A wide-ranging review of topics related to this issue, 1948–1998. Results and conclusions The findings are used to consider the challenges still to be met as we enter the next century. It is argued that it is necessary to put aside the absurd brain–mind dualisms of the past.
Prevalence of Asthma in Elderly versus Young in Rural and Urban Area of India

Setting: Department of Pulmonology, Delhi heart and Lung Institute, New Delhi Objective: Asthma is considered as a disease of childhood but may continue in the elderly or elderly may be diagnosed as asthmatic for the first time. Asthma in elderly may differ from the young with respect to diagnosis and management on account of psychosocial, economic differences and age related changes which may further be enhanced because of comorbidities and interactions between drugs used for comorbidities. Design: 100 patients of bronchial asthma attending the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Delhi Heart and Lung Institute, New Delhi, India. Young and elderly asthmatics were compared with regards to Symptoms, Severity (GINA guidelines), Accessibility to treatment, Co-morbidities, Inhalational techniques, Compliance and factors affecting compliance and; Outcome measures. These patients were followed up periodically for the above said parameters. Results: Salient differences noted in elderly vs. young were: higher GINA scoring (Moderate Persistent: 30% vs 10%), baseline non-compliance (60% vs 30%), non-compliance due to cost and memory (80% vs 26.7%), incorrect technique of inhalation (69.6% vs 42.4%), comorbidities (98% vs 38%) and concomitant drug usage (68% vs 40%). There were differences in the symptoms and quality of life indicators. There was significant improvement in various parameters in both groups, especially the young if counseled properly. Conclusion: Significant differences exist between elderly and young asthmatics.
Regular stretch does not increase muscle extensibility: a randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether regular stretch increases hamstring muscle extensibility. Sixty healthy individuals were randomly allocated to an experimental or a control group. The experimental group attended supervised stretch sessions where they stretched the hamstring muscles of a randomly allocated leg for 30 min five times a week for 6 weeks. The control group did not attend any stretch sessions during this period. No participants withdrew from the study. A purpose built device was used to measure passive hip flexion during a straight leg‐raise manoeuvre with the application of a standardized and non‐standardized stretch torque. The stretch intervention did not increase passive hip flexion when measured with a standardized stretch torque [mean treatment effect=−1°; 95% confidence interval (CI)=−3 to 2°]. It did, however, increase passive hip flexion when measured without a standardized stretch torque (mean treatment effect=10°, 95% CI=6–14°). Six weeks of sustained 30‐min daily stretch does not increase the extensibility of the hamstring muscle of healthy individuals. It does, however, improve stretch tolerance leading to increased joint range of motion without any actual improvements in muscle extensibility.
Confirmation of the Human-Pathogenic Microsporidia Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, and Vittaforma corneae in Water

ABSTRACT Microsporidia, as a group, cause a wide range of infections, though two species of microsporidia in particular,Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, are associated with gastrointestinal disease in humans. To date, the mode of transmission and environmental occurrence of microsporidia have not been elucidated due to lack of sensitive and specific screening methods. The present study was undertaken with recently developed methods to screen several significant water sources. Water concentrates were subjected to community DNA extraction followed by microsporidium-specific PCR amplification, PCR sequencing, and database homology comparison. A total of 14 water concentrates were screened; 7 of these contained human-pathogenic microsporidia. The presence of Encephalitozoon intestinalis was confirmed in tertiary sewage effluent, surface water, and groundwater; the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi was confirmed in surface water; and the presence ofVittaforma corneae was confirmed in tertiary effluent. Thus, this study represents the first confirmation, to the species level, of human-pathogenic microsporidia in water, indicating that these human-pathogenic microsporidia may be waterborne pathogens.
Buying apparel over the Internet

Tests ten hypotheses describing characteristics that distinguish consumers who have purchased apparel online from those who have not. A sample of 263 men and 303 women students completed a survey that measured their online and offline buying behavior, attitudes and predispositions. The results showed that the 99 online apparel buyers had more online buying experience in general. Online buyers did not differ from non‐buyers in their belief in how cheap buying online is, in their overall enjoyment of shopping, or in how often they bought clothing by any means. The demographic variables of age, sex and race were unrelated to online apparel buying. A further analysis showed that the online buyers used the Internet more hours per week and were more likely to buy online in the future than non‐buyers. The findings are consistent with previous studies of consumer Internet behavior and with consumer theory and provide guidance for e‐commerce apparel strategies.
Neonatal Serum Protein Levels as Indicators of Nutritional Status: Normal Values and Correlation with Anthropometric Data

Twenty-one infants were studied to compare cord serum protein concentrations (SPCs) with samples drawn 3 days after birth. The results were compared with anthropometric measurements of the infants to determine the usefulness of serum studies in predicting the nutritional status of the newborn. SPCs of 19 serum protein subfractions were measured by laser nephelometry. In 17 of 19 proteins, the cord blood and newborn blood levels were highly correlated. C1Q and haptoglobin were the exceptions. The SPC was converted to serum protein mass (SPM) as follows: SPM =[(SPC) x (birth weight) x (0.85) x (1 - hematocrit)]. Blood volume is approximately 0.85 dl of blood/kg of body weight and since these proteins are largely intravascular, it was postulated that the estimated total protein mass would be a more accurate index of nutritional state. Six proteins (C3, C4, prealbumin, retinol binding protein, transferrin, and albumin) were highly correlated with the anthropometry (arm circumference, skin fold thickness, length, weight, etc.). This study indicates that umbilical cord blood may be used to estimate a newborn's nutritional status. Transport proteins such as albumin, transferrin, retinol binding protein, and prealbumin are commonly used to assess adult nutritional status, and may be used in infants after estimating the total mass of the protein in the serum.
Brefeldin A Block of Integrin-dependent Mechanosensitive ATP Release from Xenopus Oocytes Reveals a Novel Mechanism of Mechanotransduction*

Many animal cells release ATP into the extracellular medium, and often this release is mechanosensitive. However, the mechanisms underlying this release are not well understood. Using the luciferin-luciferase bioluminescent assay we demonstrate that a Xenopus oocyte releases ATP at a basal rate ∼0.01 fmol/s, and gentle mechanical stimulation can increase this to 50 fmol/s. Brefeldin A, nocodazole, and progesterone-induced- maturation block basal and mechanosensitive ATP release. These treatments share the common feature of disrupting the Golgi complex and vesicle trafficking to the cell surface and thereby block protein secretion and membrane protein insertion. We propose that ATP release occurs when protein transport vesicles enriched in ATP fuse with the plasma membrane. Collagenase, integrin-binding peptides, and cytochalasin D also block ATP release, indicating that extracellular, membrane and cytoskeletal elements are involved in the release process. Elevation of intracellular Ca2+ does not evoke ATP release but potentiates mechanosensitive ATP release. Our study indicates a novel mechanism of mechanotransduction that would allow cells to regulate membrane trafficking and protein transport/secretion in response to mechanical loading.
Thermoluminescence Dosimetry (TLD) and its Application in Medical Physics

Radiation dosimetry is fundamental in Medical Physics, involving patients and phantom dosimetry. In both cases thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) is the most appropriate technique for measuring the absorbed dose. In this paper thermoluminescence phenomenon as well as the use of TLD in radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy for in vivo or in phantom measurements is discussed. Some results of measurements made in radiotherapy and radiodiagnosis using home made LiF:Mg,Cu,P+PTFE TLD are presented.
Accruals and Momentum

We establish a robust link between momentum and accruals. Momentum profitability is mostly concentrated in firms with high accruals. Cross-sectional characteristics of momentum previously documented do not subsume the effect of accruals on momentum. Loser stocks with high accruals experience significant decreases in industry-adjusted sales growth and the largest amount of income-decreasing special items in subsequent years. Most of momentum profit among high-accrual firms is attributable to the high discretionary accrual group. Our findings indicate that due to the joint force of earnings overestimation and earnings manipulation, the downward payoff of loser stocks with high accruals largely drives the accrual-based momentum profit.
Recovery of the cardiac adrenergic nervous system after long-term beta-blocker therapy in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: assessment by increase in myocardial 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake.

UNLABELLED In chronic heart failure, elevated plasma norepinephrine (NE) levels and a disparity between the neuronal release and the effective reuptake of NE lead to an increased concentration of NE in the presynaptic cleft, causing a downregulation of the myocardial beta-adrenoceptors. The clinical and prognostic effectiveness of beta-blocker therapy has been shown in patients with chronic heart failure in several large trials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of long-term beta-blocker therapy on the cardiac adrenergic nervous system as assessed by the myocardial uptake of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), an analog of NE, in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). METHODS In 10 patients with IDC and stable chronic heart failure the myocardial MIBG uptake was measured at baseline and at 1 y (median, 11.5 mo) after treatment with beta-blockers (metoprolol, n = 5; bisoprolol, n = 1; and carvedilol, n = 4) in addition to standard medication. In parallel with the changes in MIBG uptake, the New York Heart Association functional class, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were documented before and after 1 y of therapy with beta-blockers. RESULTS During the 1-y follow-up, a significant increase in myocardial 123I-MIBG uptake (P = 0.005) in parallel with an improved LVEF (P = 0.005) and a reduced LVEDD (P = 0.019) was found. A trend toward an improvement of the New York Heart Association functional class under the beta-blocker therapy (P = 0.139) was also found. CONCLUSION Assessment of the myocardial 123I-MIBG uptake is a useful noninvasive tool for evaluating changes in cardiac sympathetic nerve activity under medical therapy. Long-term treatment with beta-blockers in IDC causes a recovery of the cardiac adrenergic nervous system concomitantly with a clinical and hemodynamic improvement.
Interrelations between Organizational Culture, Innovation and Employee Performance: Evidence from Banking Sector of Pakistan

The core purpose of this research study is to reveal the effects of organizational culture on the employee performance via organizational innovation in banks operating in Pakistan. A quantitative survey technique was adopted to serve the purpose. Data of 167 respondents including mostly managers, sales officers and front desk employees were collected through an adapted survey questionnaire. The results expressed that components of organizational culture i.e. organization mission and concern for employees & trust have direct and strong influence on productivity at work while core values and organizational learning & empowerment influence productivity at work indirectly via organizational innovation. Hence, the results have affirmed most of hypotheses presumed in the study that culture has an impact on productivity at work whether directly or through organizational innovation. Managerial implications along with limitations and future research directions have also been discussed.
A Comparison of Temporalis Transfer and Free Latissimus Dorsi Transfer in Lower Facial Reanimation Following Unilateral Longstanding Facial Palsy

The ultimate goal in the treatment of facial palsy is the restoration of voluntary and spontaneous movement to the paralyzed side of the face, symmetrical to the normal side. We report our experience treating 40 patients with established facial palsy over a 4-year period. All patients underwent either temporalis transfer or free latissimus dorsi transfer as a single stage to improve lower facial symmetry. We believe that both techniques reliably achieve an increase of movement in facial reanimation after oncological, traumatic, or congenital facial palsy.
Ethanol Induces Oxidative Stress in Alveolar Macrophages via Upregulation of NADPH Oxidases

Chronic alcohol abuse is a comorbid variable of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Previous studies showed that, in the lung, chronic alcohol consumption increased oxidative stress and impaired alveolar macrophage (AM) function. NADPH oxidases (Noxes) are the main source of reactive oxygen species in AMs. Therefore, we hypothesized that chronic alcohol consumption increases AM oxidant stress through modulation of Nox1, Nox2, and Nox4 expression. AMs were isolated from male C57BL/6J mice, aged 8–10 wk, which were treated with or without ethanol in drinking water (20% w/v, 12 wk). MH-S cells, a mouse AM cell line, were treated with or without ethanol (0.08%, 3 d) for in vitro studies. Selected cells were treated with apocynin (300 μM), a Nox1 and Nox2 complex formation inhibitor, or were transfected with Nox small interfering RNAs (20–35 nM), before ethanol exposure. Human AMs were isolated from alcoholic and control patients’ bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Nox mRNA levels (quantitative RT-PCR), protein levels (Western blot and immunostaining), oxidative stress (2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate and Amplex Red analysis), and phagocytosis (Staphylococcus aureus internalization) were measured. Chronic alcohol increased Nox expression and oxidative stress in mouse AMs in vivo and in vitro. Experiments using apocynin and Nox small interfering RNAs demonstrated that ethanol-induced Nox4 expression, oxidative stress, and AM dysfunction were modulated through Nox1 and Nox2 upregulation. Further, Nox1, Nox2, and Nox4 protein levels were augmented in human AMs from alcoholic patients compared with control subjects. Ethanol induces AM oxidative stress initially through upregulation of Nox1 and Nox2 with downstream Nox4 upregulation and subsequent impairment of AM function.
Interaction of SKCa channels and L-type Ca2+ channels in catecholamine secretion in the rat adrenal gland

We elucidated the interaction of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SKCa) channels and L-type Ca2+ channels in muscarinic receptor-mediated control of catecholamine secretion in the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland. The muscarinic agonist methacholine (10–300 μM) produced concentration-dependent increases in adrenal output of epinephrine and norepinephrine. The SKCachannel blocker apamin (1 μM) enhanced the methacholine-induced catecholamine responses. The facilitatory effect of apamin on the methacholine-induced catecholamine responses was not observed during treatment with the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine (3 μM) or Ca2+-free solution. Nifedipine did not affect the methacholine-induced catecholamine responses, but it inhibited the responses during treatment with apamin. The L-type Ca2+channel activator Bay k 8644 (1 μM) enhanced the methacholine-induced catecholamine responses, whereas the enhancement of the methacholine-induced epinephrine and norepinephrine responses were prevented and attenuated by apamin, respectively. These results suggest that SKCa channels are activated by muscarinic receptor stimulation, which inhibits the opening of L-type Ca2+ channels and thereby attenuates adrenal catecholamine secretion.
Immunity and Infection: Emerging and Developed Market Sovereign Spreads Over the Crisis

In this study we trace changes in sovereign bond spreads over major phases of the recent international financial crisis for representative sovereign bond portfolios drawn from 43 countries, including 20 emerging economies. We extend upon traditional factor analyses and utilize propensity score matching estimators to select a non-crisis sample for comparison that is more robust to exogenous crisis dating methods. We find no significant changes in the average spreads of local currency denominated emerging market bonds measured over the extended crisis period. In contrast, the spreads of developed markets, USD denominated and peripheral Eurozone sovereign bonds were significantly affected and subjected to financial contagion.
How Do Central Banks Write on Financial Stability?

To showcase their increasing focus on financial stability, many central banks and other institutions have started publishing regular reports on financial stability. The paper presents a survey of the available financial stability reports, and proposes a framework for assessing such documents. It illustrates how the framework can be implemented, and uses the findings to identify prevalent practices, recent trends, and areas for improvement.
CD4+NKG2D+ T cells in Crohn's disease mediate inflammatory and cytotoxic responses through MICA interactions.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by uncontrolled immune responses to bacterial flora, with excessive activation of T lymphocytes. MICA is a stress-induced major histocompatibility complex-related molecule expressed on normal intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and recognized by the NKG2D-activating receptor on CD8(+) T cells, gammadelta T cells, and natural killer cells. We examined the role of MICA-NKG2D interactions in the activation of T lymphocytes in CD. METHODS MICA expression was analyzed by flow cytometry on IECs isolated from patients with active inflammatory bowel disease and controls. NKG2D expression and function were analyzed on lamina propria and peripheral blood lymphocytes. RESULTS MICA expression was significantly increased on IECs in CD, with higher expression in macroscopically involved areas. A subset of CD4(+) T cells expressing NKG2D was increased in the lamina propria from patients with CD compared with controls and patients with ulcerative colitis. CD4(+)NKG2D(+) T cells with a Th1 cytokine profile and expressing perforin were increased in the periphery and in the mucosa in CD. CD4(+)NKG2D(+) T-cell clones were functionally active through MICA-NKG2D interactions, producing interferon-gamma and killing targets expressing MICA. IECs from patients with CD had the ability to expand this subset in vitro. CD4(+)NKG2D(+) lamina propria lymphocytes from patients with CD highly expressed interleukin-15R alpha, and interleukin-15 increased NKG2D and DAP10 expression in CD4(+)NKG2D(+) T-cell clones. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the role of MICA-NKG2D in the activation of a unique subset of CD4(+) T cells with inflammatory and cytotoxic properties in CD.