Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influences on Employee Reward Strategies in International Organizations

It is of great importance that organizations seek to have a stable, productive, and motivated workforce. The primary way to accomplish this is through effective reward strategies to compensate employees for their efforts. The challenge for the global organization is to ensure that the rewards offered provide motivation for employees and generate workplace commitment, regardless of location. Three notable influences on reward strategies were summarized, the first being Maslow? s Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow stated that all people have the same needs and are motivated to fulfill these needs as they increase in complexity (Maslow, 1943, p. 370). The second influence was Herzberg? s two factor theory, which identified two factors that provide motivation for employees, motivators (job growth, advancement) and hygiene factors (policies, compensation) (Herzberg, 1968, p. 56). The final influence studied was culture, which emphasized Hofstede? s cultural dimensions: power distance, individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long term orientation, and indulgence versus restraint (Hofstede, 1994, pp. 2-5; Hofstede, Hofstede, & Minkov, 2010, p. 281). The evidence showed that using these influences as indicators along with other factors noted in research, such as organizational goals and demographic employee data, will enable a company to make a more balanced decision with respect to international employee reward strategies. Thus, a variety of factors must be considered when creating or revising reward strategies to ensure that irrespective of location, employees will be motivated by the rewards. Three examples were noted of companies who have faced the challenge of implementing an international reward strategy. Both Colgate-Palmolive and RBC were found to have completed analysis with their reward strategies to ensure their international policies were motivating for staff. Lincoln-Electric was identified as a company who failed in their international reward strategy; they incorrectly assumed the rewards that worked in the U.S. would work overseas, which contributed to losses in their European division and required drastic efforts to correct (Hastings, 1999, p. 171). To support leaders in these decisions, a model for assessing reward strategies in the international environment was presented and discussed. Leaders will find the model useful, as it consolidates the key influences that must be considered when reviewing international reward strategies and can be customized to include additional factors as required.
The Effect of T0901317 on ATP-binding Cassette Transporter A1 and Niemann-Pick Type C1 in ApoE−/− Mice

Although a range of studies indicated Liver X receptor (LXR) activation inhibited the development of atherosclerosis in animal models, the mechanism of this effect for LXR agonists has not been fully understood. A recent study has suggested LXR activators increased the amount of free cholesterol in the plasma membrane of human macrophages by inducing Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) gene expression. Therefore, we hypothesize that LXRs may also promote NPC1 expression in vivo. Here we investigated the effect of a synthetic LXR agonist T0901317 on ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and NPC1 in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE−/−) mice. Male apoE−/− mice were randomized into four groups: baseline group (n = 10), vehicle group (n = 14), prevention group (n = 14), and treatment group (n = 14). En face analysis and Oil red O staining were used to examine the aortic atherosclerotic lesions. Macrophage content of aortic root atherosclerotic lesions and cholesterol efflux form peritoneal macrophages were measured. Gene and protein expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. T0901317 treatment reduced aortic atherosclerotic lesion area by 64.2% in prevention group (P < 0.001) and 58.3% in treatment group (P < 0.001) and resulted in a reduction in macrophage content. Plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apoA-I concentrations were markedly increased in T0901317-treated groups. T0901317 also promoted ABCA1 and NPC1 gene and protein levels in the aorta, liver, and small intestine of apoE−/− mice and significantly increased cholesterol efflux from peritoneal macrophages. T0901317 upregulates ABCA1 and NPC1. This study gives us a new insight into the mechanism for antiatherogenic effect of LXR synthetic agonists.
Disease Outcomes in Glucocorticosteroid‐Naive Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The phenotype of patients who remain naive of glucocorticosteroids has not been described, and the type and rate of their damage accrual remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to compare the type, amount, rate, and nature of organ damage accrual, mortality, and atherosclerotic comorbidities in glucocorticosteroid‐naive and glucocorticosteroid‐exposed patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Recalcitrant Nonunion of the Distal Humerus: Treatment with Free Vascularized Bone Grafting

We sought to determine whether open reduction and internal fixation in combination with free vascularized bone grafting and elbow contracture release is an effective treatment for patients with recalcitrant distal humeral nonunions with segmental bone loss. In addition, we wondered whether this treatment strategy has an acceptable complication rate. Five patients, with an average age of 48 years, form the basis of our study. An average of 3.4 surgical procedures were done before the vascularized bone grafting for treatment of nonunion. The average time from injury until the index vascularized graft was 37.2 months. All patients had elbow pain at rest and had severe functional limitations related to the nonunion. There was segmental bone loss averaging 3.2 cm at the time of vascularized grafting. Four of the five patients with nonunions had clinical and radiographic union at the latest followup, and one patient required a total elbow arthroplasty because of articular collapse after the vascularized grafting procedure. The average time from vascularized grafting until bony union was 4.5 months (range, 3-6 months). There were no other complications in this patient group. Free vascularized bone grafting is a treatment alternative for distal humeral fracture nonunion, especially in younger patients who have nonunions with segmental bone loss that are refractory to conventional fixation and bone grafting techniques. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series-no, or historical, control group). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A Simple Method for Overproduction and Purification of p24 Gag Protein of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

A simple method for the overproduction in Escherichia coli and purification of major core protein p24 of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) was described. The gag‐pol region encoding p24, p15, and protease was fused to 3′ end of lacZ gene on plasmid. A LacZ‐Gag fusion protein, the major primary product, is designed to be cleaved by the HIV‐1 protease coexpressed through frameshifting. In fact, p24 and its immediate precursor, p25, were produced in the cells grown at 25 C, but not at 37 C. When the gag and pol frames were fused in‐frame to express the protease without frameshifting, the main product, a LacZ‐Gag‐Pol fusion protein, was efficiently processed to give p24 exclusively both at 37 C and 25 C, suggesting more efficient expression of the protease. Recombinant p24 was purified to near homogeneity by a simple three‐step procedure. The amino‐terminal sequence of the recombinant p24 was the same as that of p24 deduced from nucleotide sequence, indicating that correct processing occurred in E. coli by the coexpressed protease. The method described here provides a means to obtain a large amount of highly pure p24, which is useful for crystallographic and functional studies, preparation of specific antibody, and diagnostic and prognostic uses.
Evaluation of the OptiMAL Test for Rapid Diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum Malaria

ABSTRACT The development of rapid and specific diagnostic tests to identify individuals infected with malaria is of paramount importance in efforts to control the severe public health impact of this disease. This study evaluated the ability of a newly developed rapid malaria diagnostic test, OptiMAL (Flow Inc., Portland, Oreg.), to detect Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria during an outbreak in Honduras. OptiMAL is a rapid (10-min) malaria detection test which utilizes a dipstick coated with monoclonal antibodies against the intracellular metabolic enzyme parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH). Differentiation of malaria parasites is based on antigenic differences between the pLDH isoforms. Since pLDH is produced only by live Plasmodium parasites, this test has the ability to differentiate live from dead organisms. Results from the OptiMAL test were compared to those obtained by reading 100 fields of traditional Giemsa-stained thick-smear blood films. Whole-blood samples were obtained from 202 patients suspected of having malaria. A total of 96 samples (48%) were positive by blood films, while 91 (45%) were positive by the OptiMAL test. The blood films indicated that 82% (79 of 96) of the patients were positive for P. vivax and 18% (17 of 96) were infected with P. falciparum. The OptiMAL test showed that 81% (74 of 91) were positive for P. vivaxand 19% (17 of 91) were positive for P. falciparum. These results demonstrated that the OptiMAL test had sensitivities of 94 and 88% and specificities of 100 and 99%, respectively, when compared to traditional blood films for the detection of P. vivax andP. falciparum malaria. Blood samples not identified by OptiMAL as malaria positive normally contained parasites at concentrations of less than 100/μl of blood. Samples found to containP. falciparum were further tested by two other commercially available rapid malaria diagnostic tests, ParaSight-F (Becton Dickinson, Cockeysville, Md.) and ICT Malaria P.f. (ICT Diagnostics, Sydney, Australia), both of which detect only P. falciparum. Only 11 of the 17 (65%) P. falciparum-positive blood samples were identified by the ICT and ParaSight-F tests. Thus, OptiMAL correctly identified P. falciparum malaria parasites in patient blood samples more often than did the other two commercially available diagnostic tests and showed an excellent correlation with traditional blood films in the identification of both P. vivax malaria and P. falciparum malaria. We conclude that the OptiMAL test is an effective tool for the rapid diagnosis of malaria.
Self-Induced Modulational-Instability-Assisted Frequency Comb Generation Using a Passive Fiber Ring Cavity Having Varying Normal Dispersion

We experimentally generate an optical frequency comb with a repetition rate of ~43 GHz using an all-passive fiber cavity operating in varying normal dispersion regime and pumped by a multimode laser diode. Coupling of four fiber segments with different dispersion coefficients and core diameters along a ring cavity enhances the spectral broadening at a low threshold pump power. Self-induced modulation instability is experienced due to cross phase modulation that results from the interaction of co-propagating optical signals inside the cavity. Stabilization of the two fundamental modes that are phase matched with higher order modes enables the amplification of the weakly modulated stokes and antistokes modes through dissipative four wave mixing, which results in the formation of a frequency comb of constant mode spacing of 0.136 nm. Phase locked frequency modes consisting of ~250 comb lines covering a spectral range from 966 to 1000 nm centered at 978.512 nm are synthesized and reported for the first time.
Predicting stock returns in the presence of uncertain structural changes and sample noise

The predictive power of the dividend-price ratio has been the subject of intense scrutiny. Most studies on return predictability assume that predictor variables follow stationary processes with constant long-run means. Following recent evidence on the role of structural breaks in the dividend-price ratio mean, we propose an estimation method that explicitly incorporates uncertainty about the location and magnitude of structural breaks in the predictor that extracts the regime mean component of the dividend-price ratio. Adjusting for structural changes in the ratio’s mean and estimation error significantly improves predictive power of the dividend-price ratio as well as other standard predictors in sample and out of sample.
The role of ICT in nursing practice: an integrative literature review of the Swedish context

BACKGROUND The Swedish healthcare system employs information and communication technologies (ICT) in nursing practice to meet quality-, security- and efficiency-related demands. Although ICT is integrated with nursing practices, nurses do not always feel that they are convenient to use it. We need to improve our knowledge of the role of ICT in healthcare environments and so we decided to complement existing experience of how ICT influences nursing practice. AIM This study aimed to review and synthesise the available literature on the role of ICT in nursing practice in Swedish healthcare settings. METHOD To consolidate previous studies based on diverse methodologies, an integrative literature review was carried out. Three databases were used to search for literature, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The literature review indicates that ICT integration into nursing practice is a complex process that impacts nurses' communication and relationships in patient care, working conditions, and professional identities and development. Nurses are found to express ambiguous views on ICT as a usable service in their everyday practice since it impacts both positively and negatively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Although ICT cannot replace physical presence, it can be considered a complementary service that gives rise to improved patient care. However, nonverbal communication cues may be missed when ICT is used as mediating tool and ICT can be limiting because it is not always designed to meet nurse and patient needs. The meaning of an encounter appears to change when ICT is used in nursing practice, not only for patient relationships but also for interpersonal communication.
Domain-selective small-molecule inhibitor of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6)-mediated tubulin deacetylation

Protein acetylation, especially histone acetylation, is the subject of both research and clinical investigation. At least four small-molecule histone deacetylase inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer. These and other inhibitors also affect microtubule acetylation. A multidimensional, chemical genetic screen of 7,392 small molecules was used to discover “tubacin,” which inhibits α-tubulin deacetylation in mammalian cells. Tubacin does not affect the level of histone acetylation, gene-expression patterns, or cell-cycle progression. We provide evidence that class II histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is the intracellular target of tubacin. Only one of the two catalytic domains of HDAC6 possesses tubulin deacetylase activity, and only this domain is bound by tubacin. Tubacin treatment did not affect the stability of microtubules but did decrease cell motility. HDAC6 overexpression disrupted the localization of p58, a protein that mediates binding of Golgi elements to microtubules. Our results highlight the role of α-tubulin acetylation in mediating the localization of microtubule-associated proteins. They also suggest that small molecules that selectively inhibit HDAC6-mediated α-tubulin deacetylation, a first example of which is tubacin, might have therapeutic applications as antimetastatic and antiangiogenic agents.
CORRELATION OF CHOROIDAL THICKNESS AND BODY MASS INDEX

Purpose: To evaluate the possible changes in the microvascular structure of the choroid by measuring choroidal thickness (CT) in four different body mass index (BMI) groups of healthy individuals. Methods: One hundred and sixty eyes of 160 healthy individuals (70 females and 90 males) were included in this cross-sectional study. Healthy individuals were divided into 4 groups according to their BMIs. Cases with BMI ⩽18.50 formed Group 1, cases with BMI between 18.50 and 24.99 formed Group 2, cases with BMI between 25.00 and 29.99 formed Group 3, and cases with BMI between 30.00 and 34.99 formed Group 4. The CT was measured by the enhanced depth imaging technique of the spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The CT was measured at subfoveal area and at 500-&mgr;m intervals to the nasal and temporal to the fovea up to 2,000 &mgr;m. The measurements were then statistically compared among the four groups. Results: The mean ages were 26.5 ± 6.9 years (range: 18–39 years) in Group 1, 27.2 ± 5.0 (range: 21–38 years) in Group 2, 28.5 ± 5.9 (range: 20–40 years) in Group 3, and 29.25 ± 5.6 (range: 20–40 years) in Group 4. The mean subfoveal CT (in micrometers) was 378 ± 86 (range: 189–563) in Group 1, 384 ± 102 (range: 225–643) in Group 2, 314 ± 66 (range: 160–455) in Group 3, and 317 ± 63 (range: 220–411) in Group 4. There was a statistically significant difference among the 4 groups in regard to CT in all locations (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We have demonstrated that BMI may have an influence on the CT of healthy persons. Individuals in both Group 3 and Group 4 have thinner choroids than the individuals in both Group 1 and Group 2.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Growth and Differentiation Factor-5 Enhance the Healing of Necrotic Bone in a Sheep Model

Abstract Introduction: Osteotropic growth factors enhance bone repair, but their efficacy in an area of necrotic bone is not known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and potential side effects of an intraosseous application of absorbable bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) composites in a sheep model for partial necrosis of the femoral head. Materials and methods: The direct injection of ethanol under fluoroscopy into the superior centre of the right femoral head produced histologically documentable necrosis of the central region of the head in a previous study of ten sheep. Another 27 sheep constituted the sample to study the effects of BMP-2 and GDFJ. Necrosis was produced in the same fashion in these animals. Four weeks later nine sheep received 300 μg recombinant BMP-2 and nine sheep 300 μg recombinant GDF-5 on an absorbable carrier by surgical implantation. Nine sheep received the carrier alone (control group). The animals were sacrificed at 3, 6, and 12 weeks after implantation and both femora were harvested. Results: Bone density analysis and microscopic examination indicated that bone formation was noticeably induced as early as 3 weeks postoperatively in the growth factor treated animals. Bone regeneration was enhanced by growth factor composites. This was documented by histological scoring and histomorphometric analysis. No severe local side effects secondary to the growth factors, such as heterotopic ossification or inflammation, were observed in either group. Discussion: The application of an absorbable growth factor composite in combination with established surgical techniques is a promising approach, that may enhance the healing of devitalised bone defects. Based on these results, further studies regarding biodegradation, dosage of the protein and surgical technique are required.
Identification and Characterization of the Iridoid Synthase Involved in Oleuropein Biosynthesis in Olive (Olea europaea) Fruits*

The secoiridoids are the main class of specialized metabolites present in olive (Olea europaea L.) fruit. In particular, the secoiridoid oleuropein strongly influences olive oil quality because of its bitterness, which is a desirable trait. In addition, oleuropein possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. In accordance, obtaining high oleuropein varieties is a main goal of molecular breeding programs. Here we use a transcriptomic approach to identify candidate genes belonging to the secoiridoid pathway in olive. From these candidates, we have functionally characterized the olive homologue of iridoid synthase (OeISY), an unusual terpene cyclase that couples an NAD (P)H-dependent 1,4-reduction step with a subsequent cyclization, and we provide evidence that OeISY likely generates the monoterpene scaffold of oleuropein in olive fruits. OeISY, the first pathway gene characterized for this type of secoiridoid, is a potential target for breeding programs in a high value secoiridoid-accumulating species.
RELATIVE THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF VERTEBRAL MANIPULATION AND CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT IN BACK PAIN MANAGEMENT1

A study was conducted to compare the relative efficacy of conventional (heat, pelvic tilt exercises, postural education and lifting instructions) and manipulation therapy in back pain management. Twenty-five females were in the conventional therapy group (CTG) and 26 females in the manipulation therapy group (MTG). Range of motion of total flexion and extension, total side-flexion and total rotation of the lumbar spine and the straight-leg-raising test were used as criteria to determine efficacy of treatment. The results showed that while the mean treatment time for CTG subjects was 160 minutes (SD = 7.9) that for MTG patients was 121.2 (SD = 10.2) with a significant difference p less than 0.001. There were significant differences between the two groups with regards to post-treatment differences in total flexion and extension p less than 0.01; total side flexion p less than 0.05; and total rotation p less than 0.05 in favour of the MTG subjects. There was also significant difference in post-treatment straight-leg-raising values between the two groups p less than 0.05 in favour of the MTG group. It was concluded that manipulation therapy as shown by this study was superior to the conventional method in the treatment of the type of patient described.
Institutional constraints on altruism in the formation of a venture idea

This thesis is about the social orientation of new venture ideas and how the degree of social orientation is influenced by the entrepreneur's level of altruism, by industry norms, and by nonprofit work experience. Potential entrepreneurs were asked to generate new venture ideas based on 3D-printing and their ideas were rated for degree of social orientation. It was found that while greater altruism leads to more socially-oriented venture ideas, the influence of altruism on the venture idea is constrained by the profit-maximization norm that is prevalent in most industries.