Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sexual behavior and pregnancy outcome in HIV-infected women. Canadian Women's HIV Study Group.

Sexual behavior and pregnancy outcome data for 392 HIV-infected women were analyzed. During the 6 months before study entry, 71.2% (279 of 392 women) were sexually active. In multivariate regression, women with baseline CD4+ > or = 200/microl were more likely than women with CD4+ < 200/microl to be sexually active (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.88; p = .03). Consistent condom use was reported with 58.4% (149 of 255) of steady male partners and 65.7% (23 of 35) of casual partners. Overall, 90.3% of 279 sexually active women were using contraception. Among women aged between 15 and 44 years (n = 320), the incidence of pregnancy in the year before HIV diagnosis was 27.5 per 100 person-years (PY) (95% CI, 22.1-33.9) compared with 8.3/100 PY (95% CI, 6.8-10.2) in the time since HIV diagnosis (p < .001). The incidence of therapeutic termination of pregnancies conceived in the 20 weeks before HIV diagnosis (10.6/100 PY) was more than triple that after diagnosis (3.1/100 PY; p = .001). After publication of results of zidovudine prophylaxis of mother-to-child transmission, pregnancy rates did not increase, but the incidence of therapeutic abortion dropped from 4.3/100 PY to 1.4/100 PY (p = .009). Knowledge of sexual behavior, including pregnancy frequency and outcome, can assist in tailoring counseling for HIV-infected women concerning sexual and reproductive health.
The Dynamics of Gold Prices, Gold Mining Stock Prices and Stock Market Prices Comovements

We examine the dynamic relationships between gold prices, stock price indices of gold mining companies and broad stock market indices. Evidence of cointegration between these variables is found. A vector error-correction model reveals that both gold and large-cap stock prices adjust to disturbances to restore the long-term relationship between the variables. Short-term unidirectional causal relationships are running from large-cap stock prices to gold mining company stock prices and from gold mining company stock prices to gold prices.
Political Cleavages and Socio-economic Context: How Welfare Regimes and Historical Divisions Shape Political Cleavages

The paper argues that despite significant changes taking place in the social structure of contemporary industrial societies and the weakening of links between parties and voters, structure and value-based divisions still count as a source of electoral behavior in advanced industrial societies. Furthermore, the way these divisions impact on the politics of Western European countries is affected by the characteristics of welfare regimes and the historical importance of cultural and economic divisions. Interaction of these two variables produces three configurations of cleavages. In the first configuration dominance belongs to economic cleavages. In the second configuration economic cleavages are supplanted by weaker cultural cleavages. In the third configuration cultural cleavages have a more important role than economic cleavages. The empirical analysis using European Value Survey data broadly supports these expectations and finds the presence of a link between welfare state characteristics and historical divisions on the one hand and value cleavages on the other.
Effects of various serotonin agonists, antagonists, and uptake inhibitors on the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine in rats.

Neurochemical studies indicate that methamphetamine increases central serotonin (5-HT) levels more markedly than other psychomotor stimulants such as amphetamine or cocaine. In the present study, we investigated 5-HT involvement in the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine. In Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 1.0 mg/kg methamphetamine i.p. from saline under a fixed-ratio schedule of food presentation, the effects of selected 5-HT agonists, antagonists, and uptake inhibitors were tested. Fluoxetine (1.8-18.0 mg/kg) and clomipramine (3.0-18.0 mg/kg), selective serotonin uptake inhibitors, did not produce any methamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects when administered alone, but fluoxetine (5.6 mg/kg), unlike clomipramine (5.6 mg/kg), significantly shifted the methamphetamine dose-response curve to the left. Both 8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (0.03-0.56 mg/kg), a full agonist, and buspirone (1.0-10.0 mg/kg), a partial agonist at 5-HT(1A) receptors, partially generalized to the training dose of methamphetamine but only at high doses that decreased response rate. This generalization was antagonized by the coadministration of the 5-HT(1A) antagonist WAY-100635 (1.0 mg/kg). WAY-100635 (1.0 mg/kg) also partially reversed the leftward shift of the methamphetamine dose-response curve produced by fluoxetine. (+/-)-1-(2, 5-Dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (0.3 mg/kg), a 5-HT(2A/2C) agonist, shifted the methamphetamine dose-response curve to the left, and this leftward shift was antagonized by the coadministration of ketanserin (3.0 mg/kg), a 5-HT(2A/2C) antagonist. Ketanserin (3.0 mg/kg) also produced a shift to the right in the methamphetamine dose-response curve and completely reversed the leftward shift in the methamphetamine dose-response curve produced by fluoxetine. In contrast, tropisetron (1.0 mg/kg), a 5-HT(3) antagonist, produced a shift to the left of the methamphetamine dose-response curve, and this effect of tropisetron was antagonized by the coadministration of m-chlorophenyl-biguanide (1.8 mg/kg), a 5-HT(3) agonist. The present data suggest that the 5-HT system plays a modulatory role in the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine. These effects appear to be mediated through 5-HT release and blockade of reuptake and subsequent activation of 5-HT(2A/2C) receptors, with limited involvement of other 5-HT receptor subtypes.
Does repetition impair auditors' judgments?

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the repetition effect bias noted in prior psychology literature impacts auditor judgments. Were auditors to succumb to this bias, repeated statements would be perceived to have higher validity than single exposure to the same statement, potentially impairing subsequent judgments, including audit opinions and thereby undermining audit quality. Design/methodology/approach - Multiple explanatory hypotheses, including repeated explanations, were evaluated by audit seniors in an experimental analytical procedures setting where the nature (error or non-error) and number (six or ten) of explanations was varied. Findings - Auditors were not found to exhibit a repetition effect (measured as an absolute increase in perceived validity) however differences did occur in their judgments owing to both the nature and number of explanations considered. Consistently the likelihood for repeated items on short lists was increased and on longer it was decreased, while for non-errors it was increased and for errors it was decreased. Practical implications - These results suggest that audit quality could be impaired if auditors do not consider a broad set of plausible explanations, particularly where they receive repeated non-error explanations. Originality/value - No prior study has addressed this issue in this context.
Gastric Neuroendocrine Carcinoma in a Dog

A gastric biopsy specimen from a 14-year-old Yorkshire terrier was analysed using light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. The biopsies were obtained from a 3 × 3 × 4 cm mass located at the gastric cardia. Light microscopy revealed solid nests and sheets of tumour cells separated by abundant fibrovascular stroma in all gastric layers. The tumour cells were monomorphic, with eosinophilic cytoplasm and demonstrated palisading at the periphery. Nuclei were round to oval with densely packed chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. The tumour cells immunohistochemically stained strongly positive for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and pan-cytokeratin. Electron microscopy revealed electron dense neurosecretory granules of 100 - 150 nm in diameter. Metastases were found in regional lymph nodes. Gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma was diagnosed, according to the histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic features.
A Long-Run Structural Macroeconometric Model for Germany: An Empirical Note

Abstract To provide an modelling strategy with transparent and theoretically coherent foundation has been one of the targets of the paper by Garratt, Lee, Pesaran and Shin. They develop a core model for a small open economy based production technology, arbitrage conditions, flow identities and long-run solvency conditions. This leads to five long-run relations: the uncovered interest rate parity, the purchasing power parity, production function, trade balance and real money balance. Since the economic theory there is formulated generally but not restricted to the economy of UK for which their empirical model is implemented, we expect that this modelling strategy should be able to generate similar results for the data of other countries. In this empirical note we apply the modelling strategy to German data to see in how far the economic theory formulated there can account for German data. We are able to identify five cointegration relations in a conditional vector error correction model and the overidentification restrictions of the five cointegration relations as, UIP, PPP, production function, trade balance and real money balance are not rejected by the data.
Fringe Benefits and the Cost of Changing Jobs

One of the costs borne by workers changing jobs is the income loss associated with forfeited fringe benefits, including nonvested pensions, paid vacation and sick leave, group medical and life insurance coverage, and possibly profit-sharing and stock-ownership programs. This paper uses longitudinal information on a representative sample of workers to derive empirical estimates of the costs of changing jobs that are attributable to the loss of such benefits. Employer-sponsored pension and health insurance plans prove to be the most important quantitatively.
The F-PEC Scale of Family Influence: A Proposal for Solving the Family Business Definition Problem1

This article proposes an alternative method for assessing the extent of family influence on any enterprise, enabling the measurement of the impact of family on outcomes such as success, failure, strategy, and operations. This proposed method, utilizing a standardized and valid instrument— the F-PEC—enables the assessment of family influence on a continuous scale rather than restrict its use as a categorical (e.g., yesqno) variable. The F-PEC comprises three subscales: power, experience, and culture. This article discusses these scales in detail.
Business Strategy and Cross-Industry Clusters

Although industry clusters are becoming the focus of state economic development policies, most states continue to define clusters in ad hoc ways, often focusing only on clusters of firms in single industries. Such policies run the risk of wasting development resources by neglecting important linkages among firms that cut across industries. Exploiting the dynamic nature of the competitive advantages associated with the clustering process requires an understanding of strategic business decisions made at the firm level. This article draws on previous field research to identify several external economies that contribute to the clustering of firms across industries-collaboration economies, transfers of knowledge, local specialized labor pools, and relationships with nonbusiness institutions. The article concludes by suggesting specific development policies that can identify and use these external economies to attract industry clusters.
Evidence of Two Lyssavirus Phylogroups with Distinct Pathogenicity and Immunogenicity

ABSTRACT The genetic diversity of representative members of theLyssavirus genus (rabies and rabies-related viruses) was evaluated using the gene encoding the transmembrane glycoprotein involved in the virus-host interaction, immunogenicity, and pathogenicity. Phylogenetic analysis distinguished seven genotypes, which could be divided into two major phylogroups having the highest bootstrap values. Phylogroup I comprises the worldwide genotype 1 (classic Rabies virus), theEuropean bat lyssavirus (EBL) genotypes 5 (EBL1) and 6 (EBL2), the African genotype 4 (Duvenhage virus), and theAustralian bat lyssavirus genotype 7. Phylogroup II comprises the divergent African genotypes 2 (Lagos bat virus) and 3 (Mokola virus). We studied immunogenic and pathogenic properties to investigate the biological significance of this phylogenetic grouping. Viruses from phylogroup I (Rabies virus and EBL1) were found to be pathogenic for mice when injected by the intracerebral or the intramuscular route, whereas viruses from phylogroup II (Mokola and Lagos bat viruses) were only pathogenic by the intracerebral route. We showed that the glycoprotein R333 residue essential for virulence was naturally replaced by a D333 in the phylogroup II viruses, likely resulting in their attenuated pathogenicity. Moreover, cross-neutralization distinguished the same phylogroups. Within each phylogroup, the amino acid sequence of the glycoprotein ectodomain was at least 74% identical, and antiglycoprotein virus-neutralizing antibodies displayed cross-neutralization. Between phylogroups, the identity was less than 64.5% and the cross-neutralization was absent, explaining why the classical rabies vaccines (phylogroup I) cannot protect against lyssaviruses from phylogroup II. Our tree-axial analysis divided lyssaviruses into two phylogroups that more closely reflect their biological characteristics than previous serotypes and genotypes.
Involvement of G Proteins in the Mycelial Photoresponses of Phycomyces ¶

Many responses of the zygomycete fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus are mediated by blue light, e.g. the stimulation of β‐carotene synthesis (photocarotenogenesis) and the formation of fruiting bodies (photomorphogenesis). Even though both responses have been described in detail genetically and biophysically, the underlying molecular events remain unknown. Applying a pharmacological approach in developing mycelia, we investigated the possible involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins in the blue‐light transduction chains of both responses. G protein agonists (guanosine triphosphate analogues, cholera toxin, pertussis toxin) mimicked in darkness the effect of blue light for both responses, except for cholera toxin, which was ineffective in increasing the β‐carotene content of dark‐grown mycelia. Experiments combining the two toxins indicated that photocarotenogenesis could involve an inhibitory G protein (Gi) type, whereas photomorphogenesis may depend on a transducin (Gt type)‐like heterotrimer. The determination of the carB (phytoene dehydrogenase) and chs1 (chitin synthase 1) gene expression under various conditions of exogenous challenge supports the G protein participation. The fluctuations of the time course measurements of the carB and chs1 transcripts are discussed.
[Parasites of the GDR. 3. Endoparasites of the hare (Lepus europeus)].

96 Hares from the eastern region of the Dresden district were examined for endoparasites and the results compared with those of other authors from GDR and the neighbouring countries. Out of the 27 endoparasites which up till now are recorded in the middle european region in GDR are found 6 Coccidia-spp. : Eimeria leporis, E. robertsoni, E. townsendi, E. semisculpta, E. europaea, E. hungarica and the helminths: Fasciola hepatica, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Cittotaenia denticulata, Andrya rhopalocephala, Mosgovoyia pectinata, Cysticercus pisiformis, Graphidium strigosum, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Strongyloides papillosus, Passalurus ambiguus, Trichuris leporis, T. sylvilagus and Protostrongylus pulmonalis. The infection-extensity and -intensity is discussed in relation to the density of hare population and the ecological situation in the hunting-grounds.
Monoboosted lopinavir/ritonavir as simplified second-line maintenance therapy in virologically suppressed children

Background:Monoboosted protease inhibitor is being evaluated as a strategy to simplify therapy in virologically suppressed patients who are on complex regimens. Methods:Children with two consecutive HIV-RNA below 50 copies/ml at least 3 months apart while on double boosted protease inhibitor (dPI) were switched to monoboosted lopinavir/r (mLPV/r). The previous dPI regimen was resumed within 4 weeks in children who experienced virological failure defined as two HIV-RNA at least 500 or three HIV-RNA at least 50 copies/ml. Primary endpoint was the proportion of children still on mLPV/r and having HIV-RNA less than 50 copies/ml at week 48. Results:Forty children on LPV/r + saquinavir (90%) or LPV/r + indinavir (10%) were enrolled, 50% were female, median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 11.7 (10.2–13.5) years, and body weight was 29.4 (24.1–40.2 kg). The median (IQR) CD4% was 27 (23.5–29.5%). At 48 weeks, none had died or had HIV disease progression. Thirty-one children were on mLPV/r and 29 (72.5%) had HIV-RNA less than 50 copies/ml. Nine resumed dPI due to mLPV/r failure with four achieving undetectable HIV-RNA. Overall, 31 children (82.5%) had HIV-RNA suppression. Predicting factor for failing mLPV/r was baseline HIV-RNA at least 50 copies/ml. No major protease mutations were found. Conclusion:By simplifying second-line treatment from dPI to mLPV/r, the majority of children had sustained viral suppression at 48 weeks. Randomized study of simplified mono protease inhibitor therapy in children is warranted.
Hypoxia and smooth muscle function: key regulatory events during metabolic stress

Hypoxia rapidly reduces force in many smooth muscles and we review recent data that shed light on the mechanisms involved. As many regulated cellular processes are integrated to co‐ordinate smooth muscle contractility, the processes responsible for decreased force output with altered metabolism are also likely to be many, acting in concert, rather than the actions of one altered parameter. Nevertheless the aim of this study is to elucidate the hierarchical series of events that contribute to reduced smooth muscle force production during altered metabolism. We conclude that in many phasic smooth muscles the decrease in force can be attributed to impaired electro‐mechanical coupling whereby the Ca2+ transient is reduced. A direct effect of hypoxia on the Ca2+ channel may be of key importance. In tonic vascular smooth muscles KATP channels may also play a role in the integrated functional responses to hypoxia. There are also many examples of force being reduced, in tonically activated preparations, without a fall in steady‐state Ca2+; indeed it usually increases. We examine the roles of altered [ATP], pH, myosin phosphorylation, inorganic phosphate and proteolytic activity on the [Ca2+]‐force relationship during hypoxia. We find no defining force‐inhibitory role for any one factor acting alone, and suggest that force most probably falls as a result of the combination of myriad factors.
Role of Fc receptor gamma chain in inflammation and cartilage damage during experimental antigen-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To study the role of Fc receptor (FcR) gamma chain in inflammation and cartilage destruction during antigen-induced arthritis (AIA). METHODS FcR gamma-/- mice and controls were immunized with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) in Freund's complete adjuvant, followed by induction of arthritis by local injection of mBSA into the right knee joint. Joint inflammation was studied by 99mTc uptake and by histology. Breakdown of proteoglycans from the cartilage matrix was determined by loss of red staining in Safranin O-stained knee joint sections, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated aggrecan degradation was determined by immunolocalization using anti-VDIPEN antibodies. Chondrocyte death was measured by determining empty lacunae in hematoxylin-stained sections and with the TUNEL assay in cryostat sections. Erosion was detected as ruffling of the cartilage surface. RESULTS Joint swelling, as measured by 99mTc uptake on days 1, 3, and 7, was significantly decreased in FcR gamma-/- mice compared with controls. On day 7 after AIA induction, sustained joint inflammation, as seen histologically, was not significantly lower in FcR gamma-/- deficient mice. In various cartilage layers (femur, tibia, patella) of central arthritic knee joints, marked depletion of proteoglycans (40-70%), chondrocyte death (25-50%), and mild surface erosion were found. In FcR gamma-/- knee joints, depletion of proteoglycans was comparable (40-70%). Strikingly, chondrocyte death and matrix erosion were absent. Furthermore, MMP-induced aggrecan neoepitopes, which were abundantly found in controls, were also absent in FcR gamma-/-. Nevertheless, latent MMPs were present in the cartilage matrix as seen in APMA-activated patellae. CONCLUSION FcR gamma chain is involved in the severity of acute and sustained inflammation and is a crucial factor in cartilage erosion during AIA, probably by regulating activation of latent MMPs present in the cartilage matrix.
Is Corporate Board More Effective Under IFRS or “It’s Just an Illusion”?

The present study contends that the increased effectiveness of corporate boards in constraining earnings management around International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) introduction might be “transitory” and fade away over time. Drawing on the attention-based view (ABV) of the firm, we argue that the higher effectiveness of corporate boards might have been driven by a temporary higher level of attention, which independent directors (INDs) and audit committees (ACs) allocated to accounting issues at the time of transition to IFRS. Our empirical results highlight that corporate board’s effectiveness reaches its peak around the adoption time, showing an “inverted-U” path. This study contributes to the current debate on the extent to which additional contextual factors might prevail on accounting standard regulation—per se—in improving earnings quality. We further suggest that boards’ effectiveness in monitoring the corporate financial accounting process is contextually dependent.
Organic wine between health and competitiveness

Do factors, from the consumption side, blocking or promoting the development and diffusion of organic wine exist? What kind of relationship exists between the attention that consumers assign to the theme of environmental sustainability, their worries for matters of health and the spreading of organic wine? These questions led us to investigate the purchasing behaviour of organic products, especially organic wine, in order to understand the existence of consumption factors which do not stimulate on offer. The research proposes a survey of 200 Italian consumers in order to understand attitudes towards organic wine, through the implementation of a cluster analysis. The findings of this study would offer indications that may contribute to better strategic and tactical wine production and marketing decisions and government bodies interested in designing economic, social and environmental sustainable development programmes.