Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Global Transcriptomic Profiling of Bovine Endometrial Immune Response In Vitro. II. Effect of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus on the Endometrial Response to Lipopolysaccharide1

ABSTRACT Infection with noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (ncpBVDV) is associated with uterine disease and infertility. This study investigated the influence of ncpBVDV on immune functions of the bovine endometrium by testing the response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Primary cultures of mixed epithelial and stromal cells were divided into four treatment groups (control [CONT], BVDV, CONT+LPS, and BVDV+LPS) and infected with ncpBVDV for 4 days followed by treatment with LPS for 6 h. Whole-transcriptomic gene expression was measured followed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Differential expression of 184 genes was found between CONT and BVDV treatments, showing interplay between induction and inhibition of responses. Up-regulation of TLR3, complement, and chemotactic and TRIM factors by ncpBVDV all suggested an ongoing immune response to viral infection. Down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, CXCR4, and serine proteinase inhibitors suggested mechanisms by which ncpBVDV may simultaneously counter the host response. Comparison between BVDV+LPS and CONT+LPS treatments showed 218 differentially expressed genes. Canonical pathway analysis identified the key importance of interferon signaling. Top down-regulated genes were RSAD2, ISG15, BST2, MX2, OAS1, USP18, IFIT3, IFI27, SAMD9, IFIT1, and DDX58, whereas TRIM56, C3, and OLFML1 were most up-regulated. Many of these genes are also regulated by IFNT during maternal recognition of pregnancy. Many innate immune genes that typically respond to LPS were inhibited by ncpBVDV, including those involved in pathogen recognition, inflammation, interferon response, chemokines, tissue remodeling, cell migration, and cell death/survival. Infection with ncpBVDV can thus compromise immune function and pregnancy recognition, thereby potentially predisposing infected cows to postpartum bacterial endometritis and reduced fertility.
Activation of Nonclassical CD1d-Restricted NK T Cells Induces Airway Hyperreactivity in β2-Microglobulin-Deficient Mice1

Allergic asthma is characterized by Th2-driven eosinophilic airway inflammation and by a central feature called airway hyperreactivity (AHR), development of which requires the presence of classical type I invariant NK T (iNKT) cells. Allergen-induced AHR, however, develops in β2-microglobulin (β2m)−/− mice, which lack classical iNKT cells, suggesting that in some situations iNKT cells may be dispensable for the development of AHR. In contrast, our studies now suggest that a CD1d-restricted, NK1.1+ noninvariant TCR NKT cell population is present in β2m−/− mice and is responsible for the development of AHR but not for Th2 responses. Furthermore, treatment of β2m−/− mice with anti-CD1d mAb or anti-NK1.1 mAb unexpectedly abolished allergen-induced AHR. The CD1-restricted NKT cells in these mice, which failed to respond to α-galactosylceramide and which therefore were not classical type I iNKT cells, appear to represent an NKT cell subset restricted by a β2m-independent form of CD1d. These results indicate that, although classical type I iNKT cells are normally required for the development of AHR, under different circumstances other NKT cell subsets, including nonclassical NKT cells, may substitute for classical iNKT cells and induce AHR.
Work-family interface experiences and coping strategies: Implications for entrepreneurship research and practice

The entrepreneurship literature has been criticized for providing inadequate accounts of business owners' actual experiences and challenges. Work-family interface (WFI) considerations in particular are noticeably absent from much theorizing and research--despite the importance of such considerations to entrepreneurs themselves. We demonstrate how constructs from the WFI literature can help address an important entrepreneurship question that has not been answered satisfactorily to date: Why is there a persistent performance differential between male-headed and female-headed firms'
Early Deferasirox Treatment in a Patient with Myelodysplastic Syndrome Results in a Long-Term Reduction in Transfusion Requirements

levels. Iron overload is a well-recognized adverse prognostic factor for transfusiondependent patients with MDS [2] , particularly for those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) [3, 4] . Few papers showing improvement in erythropoiesis during ICT have been reported so far in the literature [5–7] . The biological mechanism of the potential benefit of ICT on erythropoiesis is not completely understood [8, 9] . In our opinion, an unresolved issue is the correct time to start ICT after MDS di
Deciphering Solar Magnetic Activity: Spotting Solar Cycle 25

We present observational signatures of solar cycle 25 onset. Those signatures are visibly following a migratory path from high to low latitudes. They had starting points that are asymmetrically offset in each hemisphere at times that are 21-22 years after the corresponding, same polarity, activity bands of solar cycle 23 started their migration. Those bands define the so-called "extended solar cycle. " The four magnetic bands currently present in the system are approaching a mutually cancelling configuration, and solar minimum conditions are imminent. Further, using a tuned analysis of the daily band latitude-time diagnostics, we are able to utilize the longitudinal wave number (m=1) variation in the data to more clearly reveal the presence of the solar cycle 25 bands. This clarification illustrates that prevalently active longitudes (different in each hemisphere) exist at mid-latitudes presently, lasting many solar rotations, that can be used for detailed study over the next several years with instruments like the Spectrograph on IRIS, the Spectropolarimeter on Hinode, and, when they come online, similar instruments on the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) as we watch those bands evolve following the cancellation of the solar cycle 24 activity bands at the equator late in 2019.
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and hormone signalling in systemic infection of pea by Pea enation mosaic virus.

Kyselakova H. , Sedlařova M. , Kubala M. , Nožkova V. , Piterkova J., Luhova L. , Novak O. , Ilik P. (2013): Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and hormone signalling in systemic infection of pea by Pea enation mosaic virus. Plant Protect. Sci., 49: 105–119. The physiological responses of pea plants during 40 days of compatible interaction with Pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV) were evaluated. PEMV induces systemic changes in the concentration of phytohormones. At 5 days post inoculation (dpi), a simultaneous increase in abscisic acid (ABA) level and a decrease in salicylic acid (SA) level was observed, which is known to be involved in the suppression of hypersensitive reaction. In our pathosystem it preceded the virus presence in the systemic leaves. PEMV induces the accumulation of ABA, SA and Hsp70 and enhances peroxidase (POX) activity at 15 dpi, when it is already transmitted throughout the plant. The formation of enations was preceded by a local accumulation of nitric oxide, which was followed by the appearance of reactive oxygen spe cies, mostly in the vicinity of leaf veins. Such heterogeneity suggests involvement of these molecules in the control of hyperplasia and tissue differentiation.
The impact of stewardship on firm performance: A family ownership and internal governance pespective

The Impact of Stewardship on Firm Performance: A Family Ownership and Internal Governance Perspective. (December 2010) Curtis Leonus Wesley, B.S., United States Naval Academy; MBA, University of Maryland-College Park Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Joseph E. Coombs Dr. Michael A. Hitt Current research in corporate governance focuses primarily upon minimization of agency costs in the shareholder-management relationship. In this dissertation, I examine a complimentary perspective based upon stewardship theory. The model developed herein leverages past research on socioemotional wealth to identify CEO attributes associated with stewardship behavior. I examine whether these attributes lead to positive firm performance. Moreover, I examine how family ownership and board of director characteristics influences the CEO stewardship – firm performance relationship. A 3-year unbalanced panel dataset using 268 S&P 1500 firms is analyzed using generalized least squares regression. All covariates lag the dependent variable by 1year; constructs are included to control for popular agency prescriptions used to monitor, control, and incentivize executives. I find no relationship between the hypothesized constructs related to CEO stewardship (board memberships, organizational identity, and board tenure) and firm
A New Look at the Antecedents and Consequences of Relationship Quality in the Hotel Service Environment

Abstract As economic conditions improve, hotels are investing in new ways to improve service quality and perceived value that hopefully will lead to better customer satisfaction and loyalty. This study took a new look, with newly developed scales, at the antecedents and consequences of relationship quality in the hotel service environment to shed new light on the factors hotels have to deal with to achieve their objective of satisfied and loyal customers. Using a structural equation model, it was determined that the tangible and intangible factors of perceived value, timeliness, and hotel facilities are antecedents of hotel quality. Hotel quality, subsequently, is a determinant of both customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, consistent with previous research, customer satisfaction is not a guarantee of customer loyalty.
India's Domestic Tourism: Chaos / Crisis / Challenge?

Tourism occurs within a system. While contemporary models of the tourism system are useful in understanding the dynamics of international tourism, it is found that these models fall short of explaining the system of conventional tourism in India. This paper explores the conventional system of vernacular tourism with the purpose of establishing the contextual nature of these practices. This examination assists in asserting that a value-based context is an indispensable factor in the sustainable development of tourism in India. In conclusion, it is asserted that India's domestic tourism is currently in a state of chaos, perpetuated by the imposition of modern tourism on pre-modern vernacular tourism that has the potential of developing into a crisis. The article ends with a plea for the formulation of an appropriate policy for domestic tourism, befitting the sustainable development paradigm.
Towards a model of the perceived value of innovation: The key role of perceived benefits ahead of the adoption process

To better understand consumer behavior in the early stages of interaction with a new product, a theoretical model of perceived value formation for an innovation is proposed and tested. The quantitative study, conducted in the automobile sector on a sample of 828 consumers, demonstrates that the perceived value of a new product is influenced ahead of the adoption process by its perceived benefits but not by its perceived sacrifices. Similarly, individual variables do not directly influence the perceived value of the new product, but only its perceived attributes.
Automatic Alzheimer’s Disease Recognition from MRI Data Using Deep Learning Method

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is an incurable neurological condition that results in a progressive mental deterioration. Although definitive diagnosis of AD is difficult, in practice, AD diagnosis is largely based on clinical history and neuropsychological data including magnetic resource imaging (MRI). Increasing research has been reported on applying machine learning to AD recognition in recent years. This paper presents our latest contribution to the advance. It describes an automatic AD recognition algorithm that is based on deep learning on 3D brain MRI. The algorithm uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) to fulfil AD recognition. It is unique in that the three dimensional topology of brain is considered as a whole in AD recognition, resulting in an accurate recognition. The CNN used in this study consists of three consecutive groups of processing layers, two fully connected layers and a classification layer. In the structure, every one of the three groups is made up of three layers, including a convolutional layer, a pooling layer and a normalization layer. The algorithm was trained and tested using the MRI data from Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. The data used include the MRI scanning of about 47 AD patients and 34 normal controls. The experiment had shown that the proposed algorithm delivered a high AD recognition accuracy with a sensitivity of 1 and a specificity of 0.93.
Acute outcomes of MitraClip therapy for mitral regurgitation in high-surgical-risk patients: emphasis on adverse valve morphology and severe left ventricular dysfunction.

AIMS We sought to assess the feasibility of catheter-based mitral valve repair using the MitraClip system in high-surgical-risk patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) > or =grade 3+. METHODS AND RESULTS MitraClip therapy was performed in 51 consecutive patients [73 +/- 10 years; 34 (67%) men] with symptomatic functional [n = 35 (69%)] or organic MR [n = 16 (31%)]. Mean logistic EuroSCORE was 29 +/- 22%; Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 15 +/- 11. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was 36 +/- 17%. In 35 patients (69%), adverse mitral valve morphology and/or severe LV dysfunction were present. MitraClip implantation was successful in 49 patients (96%). Most patients [n = 34/49 (69%)] were treated with a single clip, whereas 14 patients (29%) received two clips and one patient received three clips. Mean device and fluoroscopy times were 105 +/- 65 min and 44 +/- 28 min, respectively. Procedure-related reduction in MR severity was one grade in 16 patients (31%), two grades in 24 patients (47%), and three grades in 9 patients (18%). Forty-four of the 49 successfully treated patients (90%) showed clinical improvement at discharge [NYHA functional class > or =III in 48 patients (98%) before and 16 patients (33%) after the procedure (P < 0.0001)]. There were no procedure-related major adverse events and no in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION Mitral valve repair using the MitraClip system was shown to be feasible in patients at high surgical risk primarily determined by an adverse mitral valve morphology and/or severe LV dysfunction.
Evaluation of therapy response in children with untreated malignant lymphomas using technetium-99m-sestamibi.

UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 99mTc-sestamibi accumulation in tumors and response to chemotherapy in children with untreated malignant lymphomas. METHODS Twenty-four children with malignant lymphoma (16 with Hodgkin's disease and 8 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) were studied with 201Tl and then with 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy before any therapeutic intervention. Visual and quantitative interpretation of 201Tl and 99mTc-sestamibi scans were performed. Visual uptake scores > or = 2+ were considered positive studies for 201Tl and 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy. Remission rates were evaluated at the end of induction therapy; patients were then followed clinically for 1-2 yr. RESULTS All 17 patients who had positive 99mTc-sestamibi scans subsequently had a complete response to chemotherapy; all seven patients who had negative 99mTc-sestamibi scans subsequently had partial or no response to chemotherapy, irrespective of the lymphoma type. The mean tumor-to-background ratios of patients with complete response and with partial or no response were 1.395 +/- 0.2 and 1.031 +/- 0.05 (p = 0.0002), respectively. Thallium-201 scintigraphy results were not related to the response to chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Technetium-99m-sestamibi scintigraphy can provide information predicting the response to chemotherapy in patients with malignant lymphoma.
STUDY OF BARRIERS FACING ALBERTAN WOMEN IN BUSINESS

ABSTRACT This study was commissioned by Alberta Economic Development and Trade to fully research the real and perceived barriers facing Albertan women in business relative to those of men in business. The research included a comprehensive literature review of barriers facing female entrepreneurs. This was followed by a survey of female entrepreneurs, using a male control group. The most important finding of this study is that, contrary to much of the current literature, barriers to female entrepreneurship in Alberta do not seem to be directly gender-related.
A 5 year review of childhood measles at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Bayelsa state, Nigeria

Measles control is yet to be achieved in Nigeria de spite global efforts geared towards measles elimination. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and describe the pattern of childhood measles among children presenting to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobri, Bayelsa State. Case notes of chi ldren with measles seen at the NDUTH over a five year period (1 st September 2008 to 31 st August 2013) were retrospectively reviewed. A hund red and seventeen (117) cases of measles were seen at t he NDUTH. Measles constituted 2.0% of the total paediatric admissions and the peak age of pre sentation was in infancy (41.0%). Twenty-seven (23.1%) of the children were less than 9 months old . Majority (81.2%) had not received prior measles vaccine with a major reason given for failure to re ceive the vaccine being that the child was not up to the age for immunization. Complications occurred more in the malnourished and the un- vaccinated children. Of the 76 children who were ad mitted, there was a case fatality rate of 3.9%. Mortality was associated with bronchopneumonia, lac k of vaccination and age under 2 years. Measles remains a burden in our environment, affect ing mostly infants and the unimmunized.
Regional systems of innovation: lessons from the biotechnology clusters in Belgium and Germany

Prior research shows that innovation performance is linked to system, collaboration and networking. There is a growing attention for open innovation. However, the interplay between regional systems of innovation, technology clustering, disruptive business models and open innovation practices is not sufficiently addressed in the global entrepreneurship and technology innovation literature. There is an absence of studies that look at strategic partnerships – and specifically the role of open innovation – in the development of regional technology clusters and novel business models. We observe that biotechnological firms have been engaged in open innovation for a long time by clustering and intensive partnering to innovate with knowledge from inside and outside the firms. In other words, they have been engaging in open innovation. This paper presents a case study of biotechnology clusters in Belgium and Germany. The focus is on the interplay between new biotechnology firms, strategic alliances and open innovation, within a regional system of innovation context. In particular, the article looks at the case-based evidence from biotechnology-related industrial or regional economic cluster policies.
ANALISA PENGARUH BRAND IMAGE, BRAND TRUST DAN ECONOMIC BENEFIT TERHADAP NIAT PEMBELIAN POLIS ASURANSI PT. SEQUISLIFE DI SURABAYA

This research is conducted to find the effect of brand image, brand trust and economic benefit on purchase intention toward Insurance product of PT. Sequislife in Surabaya. The samples in this study are those who had received an offer to buy an insurance polis of Sequislife in Surabaya. Respondents used as samples in this study are 91 persons. The method of analysis used in this study is multiple linear regression analysis. The analysis show that the brand image, brand trust and economic benefit simultanously give significant effect on customer purchase intention towards insurance products of PT. Sequislife in Surabaya. However, only brand image that has a significant negative effect on purchase intentions individual insurance policies in PT. Sequislife in Surabaya.
Proactive improvement of logistics service providers as driver of customer loyalty

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a differentiated view of relationship‐specific proactive improvement of logistics service providers (LSPs) that distinguishes between the cost and performance and the effect that these two dimensions of innovation have on three distinct customer loyalty dimensions (retention, extension, and referrals). Design/methodology/approach – A confirmatory empirical study was conducted based on social exchange theory and customer value theory. The survey responses from 298 firms were analysed using structural equation modelling and multi‐group analysis to test for direct effects and moderation.Findings – Both dimensions of relationship‐specific proactive improvement by LSPs (cost and performance) are strong drivers of all three customer loyalty dimensions and, thus, are important to customer relationship management and relevant areas to be considered within innovation management. The effect on customer loyalty is moderated by the dynamism of the customer's market. Pr.
Role of α4‐ and α6‐containing nicotinic receptors in the acquisition and maintenance of nicotine self‐administration

Tobacco smoking is a major cause of death and disease and as such there is a critical need for the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat nicotine addiction. Here, we utilize genetic and pharmacological tools to further investigate the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes that support intravenous self‐administration of nicotine. α4‐S248F mice contain a point mutation within the α4 nAChR subunit which confers increased sensitivity to nicotine and resistance to mecamylamine. Here, we show that acute administration of mecamylamine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) reduces established nicotine self‐administration (0.05 mg/kg/infusion) in wild‐type (WT), but not in α4‐S248F heterozygous mice, demonstrating a role for α4* nAChRs in the modulation of ongoing nicotine self‐administration. Administration of N,N‐decane‐1,10‐diyl‐bis‐3‐picolinium diiodide (bPiDI), a selective α6β2* nAChR antagonist, dose dependently (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) impairs the acquisition of nicotine self‐administration and reduces established nicotine self‐administration in WT mice when administered acutely (10 mg/kg, i.p.). This was not due to a general reduction in locomotor activity and the same dose of bPiDI did not affect operant responding for sucrose. bPiDI treatment (10 mg/kg, i.p.) also impaired both the acquisition and maintenance of nicotine self‐administration in α4‐S248F heterozygous mice. This provides further evidence for the involvement of α6β2* nAChRs in the reinforcing effects of nicotine that underlies its ability to support ongoing self‐administration. Taken together, selective targeting of α6β2* or α4α6β2* nAChRs may prove to be an effective strategy for the development of smoking cessation therapies.
How Does Music Arouse “Chills”?

Abstract: Music can arouse ecstatic “chill” experiences defined as “goose pimples” and as “shivers down the spine. ” We recorded chills both via subjects' self‐reports and physiological reactions, finding that they do not occur in a reflex‐like manner, but as a result of attentive, experienced, and conscious musical enjoyment.