Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New Product Portfolio Management Decisions: Antecedents and Consequences

This research employs organizational information processing theory to propose and examine the antecedents and consequences of new product portfolio management (NPPM) decisions. Understanding NPPM decisions is an important research area because these decisions affect firm profitability but are difficult to make because of limited reliable information. Recent survey results of Product Development and Management Association members and other NPPM professionals suggest nearly half of initial new product ideas are chosen to advance through the new product development (NPD) pipeline via informal processes. Thus, managers wield considerable influence in NPPM. Yet only limited research quantitatively examines how NPPM decisions impact performance and the role of manager dispositions. Using as the research context a marketing simulation exercise conducted with mid-level managers, this research reveals important insights into the impact of the three NPPM dimensions—value maximization, balance, and strategic fit—on NPD and firm performance. The analysis suggests a critical role for the NPPM dimension of balance as it is the single dimension impacting performance. However, value maximization is relevant as a criterion for competing because, overall, managers see this dimension as important. At the same time, managers are cautioned in their use of strategic fit as it appears this dimension may constrain innovative choices. Furthermore, three manager dispositions proposed from organizational information processing theory—directive leadership style, need for cognition, and risk perceptions—all influence NPPM dimensions. Managers are recommended to consider the personality traits of managers involved in NPPM decisions to ensure thorough consideration of all dimensions.
Increased CSF F2-isoprostane concentration in probable AD

Objective: To quantify F2-isoprostane levels in CSF obtained from the lumbar cistern of patients with AD, ALS, and controls. Background: Studies of human postmortem tissue and experimental models have suggested a role for oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, especially AD and ALS. F2-isoprostanes are exclusive products of free-radical–mediated peroxidation of arachidonic acid that have been widely used as quantitative biomarkers of lipid peroxidation in vivo in humans. Recently, we showed that F2-isoprostane concentrations are significantly elevated in CSF obtained postmortem from the lateral ventricles of patients with definite AD compared with controls. Methods: F2-isoprostanes were quantified by gas chromatography/negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Results: CSF F2-isoprostanes were increased significantly in patients with probable AD, but not in ALS patients, compared with controls. Conclusions: Increased CSF F2-isoprostanes are not an inevitable consequence of neurodegeneration and suggest that increased brain oxidative damage may occur early in the course of AD.
FOETAL AND PLACENTAL WEIGHT CHANGES IN NORMAL PREGNANCY AND PRE‐ECLAMPSIA

IT is commonly believed that foetal growth is always retarded in pre-eclampsia (Morris et al., 1955) and that a small undernourished infant has usually a small sized placenta (Rumbolz and McGoogan, 1953; Rumbolz, Edwards and McGoogan, 1961; Warkany et al., 1961; Kloosterman, 1956; Wigglesworth, 1964b). On the other hand Baird et al. (1957) have stated that unless there is heavy proteinuria the incidence of small babies is not increased in cases of preeclampsia.
Measuring the liquidity effect

This paper develops a measure of the immediate effect on the federal funds rate of an open market operation. Because open market operations are often responses to current or anticipated economic developments, there is a serious problem of simultaneous equations bias in measuring this effect. This paper resolves this problem by developing a proxy for the errors the Federal Reserve makes in forecasting the extent to which Treasury operations will add or drain reserves available to private banks. These errors induce fluctuations in bank reserve which have measurable consequences for the federal funds rate. The paper estimates that a daily decline in nonborrowed reserves of $30 million, if sustained for an entire 14-day reserve maintenance period, will cause the federal funds rate to rise by 10 basic points.
Alcohol-consumption trajectories and associated characteristics among adults older than age 50.

OBJECTIVE This study examined changes in drinking behavior after age 50 and baseline personal characteristics and subsequent life events associated with different alcohol-consumption trajectories during a 14-year follow-up period. METHOD Data were taken from the Health and Retirement Study. The study sample included individuals ages 51-61 in 1992 who survived the sample period (1992-2006) and had at least five interviews with alcohol consumption information, yielding an analysis sample of 6,787 (3,760 women). We employed linear regression to determine drinking trajectories over 1992-2006. Based on these findings, each sample person was classified into one of five drinking categories. We used multinomial logit analysis to assess the relationship between personal demographic, income, health, and attitudinal characteristics as well as life events and drinking-trajectory category. RESULTS Overall, alcohol consumption declined. However, rates of decline differed appreciably among sample persons, and for a minority, alcohol consumption increased. Persons with increasing consumption over time were more likely to be affluent (relative-risk ratio [RRR] = 1.09, 95% CI [1.05, 1.12]), highly educated (RRR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.09, 1.31]), male, White (RRR = 3.54, 95% CI [1.01, 12.39]), unmarried, less religious, and in excellent to good health. A history of problem drinking before baseline was associated with increases in alcohol use, whereas the reverse was true for persons with histories of few or no drinking problems. CONCLUSIONS There are substantial differences in drinking trajectories at the individual level in midlife and late life. A problem-drinking history is predictive of alcohol consumption patterns in later life.
Comparison of the in vitro activity of ampicillin and moxifloxacin against Listeria monocytogenes at achievable concentrations in the central nervous system

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro activity of ampicillin and moxifloxacin against six isolates selected from 154 invasive clinical isolates of Listeria monocytogenes and evaluate their intra‐ and extracellular activities with achievable central nervous system concentrations obtained using Monte Carlo simulations with conventional and unconventional dosages. Methodology. The MICs and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of ampicillin and moxifloxacin were determined by using the broth microdilution method. The intra‐ and extracellular activities were compared using time‐kill curves and inhibition of intracellular growth assays. Results. The MICs50/90 of ampicillin were 0.125/0.5 mg l−1 and the MBC50/90 was ≥16 mg l−1, while the moxifloxacin MICs50/90 were 0.25/0.5 mg l−1 and the MBC50/90 was 0.5 mg l−1. Ampicillin did not show any extracellular bactericidal activity at 24 h, although bactericidal activity was detected at 48 h. For moxifloxacin, the bactericidal effect was evident after 6 h of incubation. Both antibiotics achieved significant reductions in intracellular inoculum after 1‐24 h of incubation; however, moxifloxacin becomes bactericidal more rapidly, producing a much greater reduction in the inoculum in the first hour than ampicillin. There were no differences among the MIC and MBC values of moxifloxacin and ampicillin among the strains belonging to different serotypes and/or epidemic clones. This fact was also found in the intra‐ and extracellular studies. Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrated the faster bactericidal activity of moxifloxacin at achievable central nervous system concentrations against intra‐ and extracellular forms of L. monocytogenes in comparison with ampicillin.
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes recognize tumor antigens of a murine colonic carcinoma by using different T‐cell receptors

To see whether different antigens expressed by the same tumor are recognized by distinct T ‐cell receptors (TCR), we used cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) lines known to lyse in vitro the syngeneic BALB/c adenocarcinoma C‐26. Four of these CD3+ CD8+ lines showed 4 different patterns of lysis on a panel of MHC‐class‐I‐compatible targets. The activity was H‐2d‐restricted and could be blocked by anti‐CD3 and anti‐TCR‐α/β monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). The CTL lines were also effective, although to a different extent, in adoptive immunotherapy of mice bearing lung metastases. Phenotypic analysis revealed in all the lines a high frequency of cells positive for CD45, asialo GMI (ASGMI), lymphocyte‐function‐associated antigen‐I (LFA‐I), intercellular adhesion molecule‐I (ICAM‐I) and CD44, but negligible expression of L‐selectin (LAM‐I) and very late antigen‐4 (VLA‐4); 2 lines expressed the vitronectin‐receptor (VNR). Analysis of TCR Vβ‐chains used by the 4 lines showed selective presence of Vβ6, Vβ8. 2, Vβ8. 3 and of Vβ13 chains. MAbs directed to these Vβ chains blocked their lytic activity in vitro. Vα‐chain transcripts of the lines were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as VαITTII and Vα52 in 2 lines, while one could not be identified. Analysis of Vβs in mixed lymphocyte‐tumor‐cell cultres (MLTC) of T cells deriving from tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) or from spleen of C‐26 tumor‐bearing or immune animals indicated that the TCR of the CTL lines were representatives of the TCR repertoire recognizing C‐26 tumor, since their Vβ were shown to be selectively expanded in MLTC. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the NCCLS M44-P Disk Diffusion Method for Determining Susceptibilities of 276 Clinical Isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans to Fluconazole

ABSTRACT We evaluated the NCCLS M44-P fluconazole disk diffusion method in comparison with the NCCLS M27-A2 broth microdilution method for determining the susceptibility of 276 isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans. Disk diffusion testing was performed using Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 2% glucose and 0.5 μg of methylene blue/ml. Among the 276 isolates, 259 (93.8%) were susceptible, 16 (5.8%) were susceptible—dose dependent, and 1 (0.4%) was resistant to fluconazole as determined by the NCCLS broth microdilution method. The overall categorical agreement between the two methods was 86%, with 0% very major errors, 2% major errors, and 12% minor errors. The disk diffusion method using Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with glucose and methylene blue appears to be a useful approach for determining the fluconazole susceptibility of C. neoformans.
Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis remains a disease with associated unacceptable morbidity and mortality rates despite the availability of effective bactericidal antimicrobial therapy. Through the use of experimental animal models of infection, a great deal of information has been gleaned concerning the pathogenic and pathophysiologic mechanisms operable in bacterial meningitis. Most cases of bacterial meningitis begin with host acquisition of a new organism by nasopharyngeal colonization followed by systemic invasion and development of a high-grade bacteremia. Bacterial encapsulation contributes to this bacteremia by inhibiting neutrophil phagocytosis and resisting classic complement-mediated bactericidal activity. Central nervous system invasion then occurs, although the exact site of bacterial traversal into the central nervous system is unknown. By production and/or release of virulence factors into and stimulation of formation of inflammatory cytokines within the central nervous system, meningeal pathogens increase permeability of the blood-brain barrier, thus allowing protein and neutrophils to move into the subarachnoid space. There is then an intense subarachnoid space inflammatory response, which leads to many of the pathophysiologic consequences of bacterial meningitis, including cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure. Attenuation of this inflammatory response with adjunctive dexamethasone therapy is associated with reduced concentrations of tumor necrosis factor in the cerebrospinal fluid, with diminished cerebrospinal fluid leukocytosis, and perhaps with improvement of morbidity, as demonstrated in recent clinical trials. Further information on the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis should lead to the development of more innovative treatment and/or preventive strategies for this disorder.
An Industry View of Experiential Learning

With the downsizing of hotel companies in the 1980s and 1990s. internships became a way of supplementing staff during peak seasons and auditioning students for full-time positions upon graduation. The authors surveyed corporate directors of human resources on specific activities and tasks associated with experiential learning in the guest services areas of hotels. This article is available in Hospitality Review: http://digitalcommons.fiu. edu/hospitalityreview/vol13/iss1/8 An Industry View of Experiential Learning by Deborah Breiter and Carol Cargill and Sheryl Fried-Kline With the downsizing of hotel companies in the 1980s and 1990s. internships became a way of supplementing staff during peak seasons and auditioning students for full-time positions upon graduation. The authors surveyed corporate directors of human resources on specific activities and tasks associated with experiential learning in the guest sewices areas of hotels. As hotel companies were forced to lay off many employees or leave positions unfilled in the late 1980s and early 1990s, internships and other forms of experiential learning provided human resource managers with alternative sources of labor. College students were often employed to fill positions previously held by full-time employees during both the school year and summer vacations. In addition, some hotel companies were offering internships with the understanding that this was the way to secure a position upon graduation. By trying out a student for two months or more, a company could tell whether or not that student would be a good job candidate, thus minimizing turnover in the long run. Students bring a variety of benefits to a hotel while engaged in work experience. They are career-oriented and take their temporary assignments seriously. They also demonstrate enthusiasm and interest in a variety of hotel issues, perhaps doing more than the job description requires. Many students are graded on their work experiences, and this serves as another incentive to do a good job. Experiential learning has always been an important feature of hospitality education in higher education. The first college program in hotel management included a work requirement for students. ' A 1976 survey of hospitality programs found that more than 50 percent required an internship. ' By 1992 95 percent of all undergraduate programs in hospitality included a work experience req~irement. ~
Alarming incidence of hepatitis C virus re-infection after treatment of sexually acquired acute hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-infected MSM

Background:Recent data indicate that seroprevalence of sexually transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among MSM is stabilizing in Amsterdam. However, little is known about the incidence of HCV re-infection in MSM who have cleared their HCV infection. We, therefore, studied the incidence of re-infection in HIV-infected MSM who were HCV RNA-negative following HCV treatment of acute primary infection. Methods:Our study population comprised HIV-infected MSM at two large HIV outpatient clinics in Amsterdam, who were previously diagnosed with a sexually transmitted acute HCV infection and tested HCV RNA-negative at the end of treatment. We defined HCV re-infection as detectable HCV RNA in individuals with an undetectable HCV RNA at the end of treatment accompanied by a switch in HCV genotype or clade. Person–time methods were used to calculate the incidence of re-infection. Results:Fifty-six persons who became HCV RNA-negative during primary acute HCV treatment were included. Five of the 56 cases relapsed and were not analysed. Eleven persons were re-infected. The incidence of HCV re-infection in this group was 15.2 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 8.0–26.5). The cumulative incidence was 33% within 2 years. Discussion:An alarmingly high incidence of HCV re-infection was found in this group. This high re-infection rate indicates that current prevention measures should be discussed, frequent HCV RNA testing should be continued after successful treatment and, in case of possible relapse, clade typing should be performed to exclude re-infection.
Stimulation of pulmonary C fibres by lactic acid in rats: contributions of H+ and lactate ions.

1. The contributions of H+ and lactate ions to the stimulation of single pulmonary C fibres by lactic acid were examined in anaesthetized and artificially ventilated rats. 2. Lactic acid injected into the right atrium caused a transient decrease in arterial blood pH (pHa) and a short but intense burst of afferent activities in pulmonary C fibres, whereas sodium lactate had no effect. The fibre activity usually reached a peak within 1‐1.5 s, with an onset latency of < 1 s, and returned to the baseline in 5 s. 3. The injection of hydrochloric acid at the same pH as that of lactic acid did not significantly decrease pHa, nor did it stimulate any C fibres studied. 4. Formic acid has a pKa value (the negative logarithm of the dissociation constant) almost identical to that of lactic acid; thus, its injection decreased pHa to the same degree as did the injection of lactic acid. However, the response of C fibres to lactic acid was 134% stronger than that to formic acid. 5. We conclude that H+ is primarily responsible for the activation of pulmonary C fibres by lactic acid, probably through a direct effect of H+ on these afferent endings. The lactate ion, by itself, does not activate C fibres, but it seems to potentiate the stimulatory effect of H+ on these afferents.
Age-related hypermethylation of the 5' region of MLH1 in normal colonic mucosa is associated with microsatellite-unstable colorectal cancer development.

Hypermethylation of the MLH1 promoter underlies most sporadic colorectal cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI). To investigate the role of hypermethylation in the normal colonic mucosa as a possible precursor lesion, we studied 700 bp upstream of MLH1 covering 51 CpG sites. We found partially methylated alleles in 15 of 34 (44%) patients <60 years of age and 20 of 24 (83%) patients > or =80 years of age (P = 0.0026). Fully methylated alleles were present in 18 of 33 (55%) patients with MSI+ tumors but in only 18 of 90 (20%) patients with MSI- tumors (P = 0.00019). By in situ analysis, methylation was patchy and located mainly in the cryptal regions close to the lumen. We conclude that the spread of methylation in the MLH1 promoter in the normal colonic mucosa is closely associated with age and the development of sporadic MSI+ colorectal cancers.
Low-Volume Resuscitation for Hemorrhagic Shock: Understanding the Mechanism of PEG-20k

Hemorrhagic shock leads to cell and tissue swelling and no reflow from compressed capillaries. Cell impermeants, including polyethylene glycol-20,000 (PEG-20k), reverse ischemia-induced cell swelling, extend low-volume resuscitation (LVR) time after shock, and increase tolerance to the low-volume state. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms of action of PEG-20k containing LVR solutions. We hypothesized that PEG-20k acts as both an oncotic agent and an impermeant in the microcirculation, which moves water out of the space and into the capillaries to affect peripheral capillary filling and enhanced perfusion during the low-volume state. Rats were hemorrhaged until arterial lactate reached 9–10 mM/liter. Then, saline-based LVR solutions containing various impermeant materials were administered (10% blood volume). The LVR times for these solutions were determined by measuring the amount of time required for plasma lactate to climb back to 9 to 10 mM after LVR administration (low-volume tolerance). Capillary blood flow was measured by colored microspheres, and blood volume was measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate–labeled albumin dilution. Gluconate (impermeant), albumin (colloid), and PEG-20k (hybrid) increased LVR time over saline by 4-, 3-, and 8-fold, respectively. The combination of impermeant + albumin produced a biologic effect that was similar to PEG-20k alone. Capillary blood flow and plasma volume were decreased after shock with saline LVR but increased with PEG-20k, relative to saline. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that PEG-20k may act by establishing multiple osmotic gradients in the microcirculation to drive cell-to-capillary water transfer during hypovolemic shock.
[Proliferation apoptotic influence of crocin on human bladder cancer T24 cell line].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the proliferation, apoptosis and mechanisms on T24 cell of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder (TCCB) by crocin. METHOD MTT assay was used to evaluate the proliferation of T24 cells. The changes of cell cycle and cell apoptotic percentage were measured by flow cytometry. T24 cells were inoculated into BALB/c nude mice to establish model of carcinoma of bladder. The mice were randomly divided into control group and experimental group. After treatment with 50 mmol x L(-1) crocin, the inhibited growth of tumor was observed. Electronic microscope was used to observe the morphological changes. The expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, Survivin and Cyclin D1 were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULT The growth of T24 cells was remarkably inhibited after treatment of crocin. Flow cytometric profiles revealed that crocin led to the increase of the cells in G0/G1 phase, the percentage of cell apoptosis was also increased. Crocin could inhibit the growth of BALB/c xenograft tumor. The morphology changes of cell apoptosis were observed. Bcl-2, Cyclin D1 and survivin expressions determined by immunohistochemical staining were down-regulated after treatment with Bax expression up-regulated. CONCLUSION Crocin exerts both in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer effect on TCCB T24 cell line. The mechanisms may change tumour cell cycle and induce tumour cell apoptosis by down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2, Survivin, Cyclin D1 and up-regulating the expression of Bax.
Bronchodilator response during acute viral bronchiolitis in infancy

Bronchodilator responsiveness was assessed by measuring specific respiratory conductance before and after inhalation of aerosolized bronchodilator in 50 infants who had acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus infection. Thirty per cent of the infants showed an improvement in specific conductance. Responders could not be differentiated from nonresponders by family histories of atopy, eosinophil counts, or immunoglobulin levels in blood and nasal secretions. Eighty‐three per cent of the families and 54% of the mothers of the infants were smokers. Babies of smoking mothers had lower specific conductances than did those of nonsmoking mothers but showed no differences in bronchodilator response. The clinical significance of this bronchodilator‐responsive subgroup has yet to be defined.